inadequate
6 antonyms and opposites of inadequate, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Not enough, or not good enough, for what is required.
Antonyms
How to use inadequate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From in- plus adequate.
Full origin of inadequate →Frequently asked questions
What does “inadequate” mean?
The word “inadequate” means not enough, or not good enough, for what is required. In plain terms, not up to the job — too little, too weak, or not skilled enough.
How do you pronounce “inadequate”?
“Inadequate” is pronounced ihn-A-duhk-wiht (/ɪnˈædəkwɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “inadequate” in a sentence?
Here is “inadequate” used in a sentence: “The funding was inadequate to cover the school's basic needs.”
What is the opposite of “inadequate”?
The opposite of “inadequate” — its antonyms — are abundant, adequate, enough, plentiful and sufficient.
What part of speech is “inadequate”?
“Inadequate” is an adjective.
Is “inadequate” a common word?
“Inadequate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between inadequate and insufficient?
Inadequate means not good enough or not sufficient in quality as well as quantity for what is required, while insufficient specifically refers to quantity, meaning there is not enough of something. Something can be inadequate because it is poorly made even if there is a large amount of it.
Is inadequate a formal word?
Inadequate is used in both formal and everyday English, appearing in professional reports, reviews, and casual conversation alike when describing something that falls short of what is needed. It is considered a neutral, standard word rather than especially formal or informal.
What is the opposite of inadequate?
The opposite of inadequate is adequate, meaning sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose. Other opposites include sufficient and satisfactory.