inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that does not meet the necessary requirements or expectations. For example: "The student's performance in the exam was inadequate and failed to match the standards set by the teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The growth package here was welcome but inadequate.

The Guardian - Opinion

For sure, he must have found it irksome to see the fate that befell Rangers after his talents were considered inadequate for a club with European issues.

The Guardian - Sport

Protests, petitions, two call-ins of the plans by supportive councillors to the Overview and Scrutiny committee, a new (yet still flawed) consultation process in recognition of the initial inadequate attempt, and much publicity.

The Guardian - Books

Although this guidance is about diagnosis, Nice states that, in many cases, asthma control is already inadequate, which could be life-threatening.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Despite the absence of away fans the atmosphere was not helped by a security operation that, according to eyewitnesses, was woefully inadequate.

The Guardian - Sport

In response to a questionnaire devised by the Guardian and five leading European newspapers, the vast majority of almost 100 European doctors and psychiatrists who replied said there was a "prescribing culture" in their country because other help for people with depression was inadequate.

The Guardian

When a child dies of neglect or abuse, the local authority is accused of incompetence and negligence; if there is an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, claims about inadequate precautions are heard; former employees of companies which have collapsed during the recession demand to know why more has not been done to save their jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inadequate response by the Nigerian government had left many in fear, he added.

The Guardian

The report acknowledged that both programmes have benefited many young people in Uganda, especially those from poorer backgrounds, but added that "this achievement has been grossly watered down by the often inadequate, inefficient and ineffective response to inherent challenges".

The Guardian

Delayed discharges – the inability to get patients out, usually because social care arrangements locally are inadequate – are running at record levels.

The Guardian

Asylum seekers in detention on Christmas Island are often dangerously misdiagnosed due to a complicated and inadequate IT system, and can regularly go without basic medicine including paracetamol due to frequent shortages, according to the letter signed by 15 doctors who have practised on Christmas Island.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate", clearly specify what the subject is inadequate for. For example, instead of saying 'The funding was inadequate', specify 'The funding was inadequate for the project's needs'.

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate" without providing specific context. Ensure your writing clearly explains what is lacking or insufficient to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "inadequate" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to denote a deficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "inadequate" is frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and serves to denote a deficiency or insufficiency. The high source quality and expert rating underscore its reliability and suitability for formal communication. While interchangeable with terms like "insufficient" and "deficient", understanding the specific context is crucial for precise usage. When using "inadequate", ensure you clarify what is lacking or insufficient to maintain clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

Focuses on the lack of enough of something needed.

deficient

Highlights a lack of essential qualities or elements.

lacking

Directly states the absence of something required.

scarce

Emphasizes rarity or limited availability.

meager

Suggests a small or insufficient amount.

limited

Indicates restrictions on the amount or extent.

restricted

Implies constraints preventing adequacy.

too little

Simply expresses that the quantity is not enough.

not enough

A straightforward way to say something is lacking.

falling short

Describes failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "inadequate" in a sentence?

You can use "inadequate" to describe something that is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose. For example, "The training provided was "inadequate" for the complexity of the task".

What can I say instead of "inadequate"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient", "deficient", or "lacking" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "inadequate" or "not adequate"?

"Inadequate" and "not adequate" are generally interchangeable, but "inadequate" is often preferred for its conciseness and formality.

What's the difference between "inadequate" and "unsatisfactory"?

"Inadequate" implies a deficiency or insufficiency in meeting a requirement, while "unsatisfactory" suggests that something fails to meet expectations or standards of quality. Although they share semantic overlapping, "unsatisfactory" carries a negative connotation in terms of experience.