inadequate
word
/ˌɪˈnædəˌkweɪt/
/ɪnˈædɪkwət/
Definition
Not enough in amount, quality, or ability to meet a need or standard. Can refer to things, resources, actions, or people.
Usage & Nuances
Used in formal, academic, or professional contexts. Often describes lack of resources ('inadequate funds'), skills ('inadequate training'), or responses ('an inadequate answer'). Not as strong as 'insufficient' when talking about absolute lack.
Spanish: inadecuado - insuficientePortuguese (BR): inadequado - insuficientePortuguese (PT): inadequado - insuficienteChinese (Simplified): 不充分 - 不足 - 不适当Chinese (Traditional): 不充分 - 不足 - 不適當Hindi: अपर्याप्त - असंतोषजनकArabic: غير كافٍ - غير مناسبBengali: অপর্যাপ্ত - অপ্রতুলRussian: неадекватный - недостаточныйJapanese: 不十分な - 不適切なVietnamese: không đầy đủ - không thích hợpKorean: 부적절한 - 불충분한Turkish: yetersizUrdu: ناکافی - نامناسبIndonesian: tidak memadai - kurang
Example Sentences
The hospital has inadequate equipment for surgery.
basic
His answer was inadequate for the question.
basic
We have inadequate time to finish the project.
basic
Her explanation felt inadequate, so I had to ask more questions.
natural
If the data is inadequate, our results won't be reliable.
natural
Many people feel inadequate when starting a new job.
natural