# inadequately

/ˌɪˈnædəkwətɫi/ (US) · /ɪnˈædɪkwətli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inadequately
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

in a way that is not good enough or not complete. You use it when something needs more work, time, or care.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

poorly, badly, insufficiently, unsatisfactorily, incompletely

## Antonyms

adequately, sufficiently, well, satisfactorily

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before a past participle ('inadequately prepared') or after the verb it modifies.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.