Word
inadequate
Phoneticsin·ad·e·quate, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈnædəˌkweɪt/
UK/ɪnˈædɪkwət/
Definitions
01not enough in amount
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not enough of something to meet a need.
adj. insufficient in quantity or quality to satisfy a particular requirement or purpose.
“The food supplies were inadequate for the large number of people at the camp.”
“The existing infrastructure proved woefully inadequate for the sudden influx of seasonal workers, leading to significant delays in local transport.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the purpose being failed.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not good enough
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. lacking the quality or ability that is needed for a task.
adj. failing to reach an expected or required standard of quality or competence.
“He felt inadequate in his new job because he didn't understand the software.”
“Despite her extensive experience, she felt strangely inadequate when asked to lead the international delegation through the complex legal negotiations.”
Synonyms
03an incapable person
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal
n. a person who is not able to deal with the demands of life or a specific situation.
n. a person who lacks the necessary emotional or mental stability to cope with everyday life or social requirements.
“The novel describes a man who sees himself as a social inadequate.”
“The report suggested that the facility was housing several social inadequates who required more intensive psychological support than the staff could provide.”
Usage
Usually functions as a countable noun, often in psychological or sociological contexts.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inadequate” in context.
Verb
01. deem the response inadequate
“The committee deemed the response inadequate and requested a more detailed explanation of the safety protocols.”
verb + noun + adj
02. feel inadequate
“New parents often feel inadequate when they struggle to soothe a crying infant for the first time.”
verb + adj
03. prove inadequate
“The initial funding for the infrastructure project proved inadequate as costs began to spiral.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. grossly inadequate
“Legal experts argued that the compensation offered to the victims was grossly inadequate.”
adv + adj
05. inadequate for the task
“His technical skills were deemed inadequate for the task of managing the entire server migration.”
adj + prep + noun
06. woefully inadequate
“The emergency services were woefully inadequate to handle a disaster of such magnitude.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. inadequate provision of resources
“The school's poor performance was blamed on the inadequate provision of resources for special education.”
adj + noun + prep + noun
08. inadequate supply of water
“The drought has led to an inadequate supply of water for the local farming community.”
adj + noun + prep + noun
09. inadequate response
10. inadequate training
Real-World Examples
“The study cited "unique stressors, such as poor habitability, noise and demanding schedules that leave inadequate time for sleep and rest".” “The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) welcomed Flock’s decision to slash the recommended data retention period, but said other changes were superficial or recycled versions of inadequate safety features.” Etymology
From in- + adequate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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