ENGLISH
REFERENCE

adequately

adv.
US //ˈædəkwətɫi// UK //ˈædɪkwətli// ad·e·quate·ly
  1. 1 sufficiently (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that is enough or good enough for a particular purpose.

    to a degree that is sufficient or satisfactory for a specific requirement.

    Example

    The new staff members were adequately trained before they started working with customers.

    Example

    The report adequately addresses the primary concerns raised by the board, though it lacks the granular detail required for a full strategic overhaul.

    Usage

    Typically modifies verbs or adjectives to indicate a standard of sufficiency.

    Teacher's tip

    Note the neutral-to-positive tone; it implies 'enough' but rarely 'excellent'.
  2. 2 barely enough (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    just enough to be acceptable, but not very good.

    to a degree that is only just sufficient; meeting the minimum standard without exceeding it.

    Example

    The old heater worked adequately, but the room was still a bit chilly.

    Example

    While the candidate performed adequately during the technical assessment, the panel felt he lacked the creative spark necessary for the senior role.

    Teacher's tip

    In professional contexts, describing someone's work as 'adequate' or 'adequate' can be seen as 'faint praise', suggesting it is mediocre.
    • passably
    • tolerably
Origin

From adequate + -ly.

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