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Meaning of be inadequate
The primary meaning of "be inadequate" is to be insufficient or lacking in something, such as quality, quantity, or ability, according to Oxford Languages.
Etymology of be inadequate
The word "inadequate" has its roots in the Latin words "in" meaning "not" and "adaequatus" meaning "made equal to", and has been used in the English language since the 17th century to describe something that is not sufficient or suitable.
Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to insufficiency, deficiency, and incompetence.
Synonyms
insufficient
deficient
lacking
incomplete
inadequate
unsatisfactory
unacceptable
unqualified
inept
incapable
ineffective
inefficient
unproductive
futile
useless
pointless
weak
feeble
frail
fragile
imperfect
faulty
defective
flawed
short
scant
sparse
meager
limited
restricted
partial
unfinished
undeveloped
immature
incompetent
ineffectual
unskilled
untrained
amateurish
makeshift
stopgap
temporary
provisional
unsuitable
ill-suited
mismatched
ill-equipped
underpowered
underresourced
underfunded
undermanned
understaffed
underqualified
unprepared
ill-prepared
Definitions
- The phrase "be inadequate" means to be insufficient or lacking in something, such as quality, quantity, or ability, and is often used to describe a situation, person, or thing that is not good enough or does not meet the required standards.
- * It can also refer to a person who is not capable or skilled enough to perform a task or fulfill a role.
Usage Examples
- The new policy has been criticized for being inadequate to address the growing problem of homelessness.
- * She felt inadequate in her new role as a manager, having no prior experience in leadership.
- * The company's resources were inadequate to support the launch of the new product, leading to a disappointing sales performance.
Antonyms
sufficient
adequate
complete
perfect
flawless
proficient
skilled
capable
competent
effective
efficient
productive
useful
valuable
strong
powerful
robust
sturdy
solid
satisfactory
acceptable
qualified
suitable
well-suited
well-equipped
well-resourced
well-funded
well-manned
well-staffed
well-qualified
prepared
well-prepared