Word
inadequately
Phoneticsin·ad·e·quate·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪˈnædəkwətɫi/
UK/ɪnˈædɪkwətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not good enough or not complete. You use it when something needs more work, time, or care.
adv. in a manner that fails to meet a required standard of sufficiency, quality, or completeness. Typically modifies verbs or adjectives describing preparation, resourcing, or performance.
Examples
“They eat inadequately when they skip meals.”
“The new shelter houses fifty people but heats inadequately in winter, so volunteers bring extra blankets.”
“The archive preserves letters that describe, inadequately yet movingly, the hardships endured during the long siege.”
Examples
simple
“They eat inadequately when they skip meals.”
contextual
“The new shelter houses fifty people but heats inadequately in winter, so volunteers bring extra blankets.”
complex
“The archive preserves letters that describe, inadequately yet movingly, the hardships endured during the long siege.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inadequately” in context.
Verb
01. address inadequately
“The complaint was addressed inadequately by customer service.”
verb + adv
02. explain inadequately
“The risks were explained inadequately before the surgery.”
verb + adv
03. function inadequately
“The heating system functions inadequately in extreme cold.”
verb + adv
Adjective
04. inadequately funded
“The school was inadequately funded to support special needs pupils.”
adv + adj
05. inadequately prepared
“The team arrived inadequately prepared for the difficult negotiation.”
adv + adj
06. inadequately protected
“Coastal homes remain inadequately protected from severe storms.”
adv + adj
07. inadequately resourced
“Rural clinics are often inadequately resourced for major outbreaks.”
adv + adj
08. inadequately trained
“Many nurses feel inadequately trained to handle emergency cases.”
adv + adj
09. be inadequately prepared for
“Candidates were inadequately prepared for the speaking test.”
10. inadequately addressed in the report
“Mental health issues were inadequately addressed in the report.”
11. inadequately funded public services
“Inadequately funded public services struggle to meet growing demand.”
12. inadequately protected against flooding
“Thousands of homes are inadequately protected against flooding.”
Usage
Typically placed before a past participle ('inadequately prepared') or after the verb it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“The bank inadequately flagged transactions linked to potential Chinese money laundering networks, the Treasury said.” “The results suggest that hypertension remains widely undiagnosed, untreated, or inadequately managed, even though it is a major contributor to stroke, heart disease, and premature death.” “The report raised concerns about staffing and support across maternity services and said postnatal care was inadequately staffed and supported.” “The catastrophe was caused by a breach in an embankment built decades earlier and inadequately maintained.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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