inadequate

/ɪnˈædɪkwɪt/

/ɪnˈædɪkwɪt/

Something inadequate doesn't cut it. If you lack just a few centimeters to reach the low mark on the wooden sign, your height is inadequate for riding the big roller coaster. Wear heels next time.

The Latin root of adequate means "equal to," so inadequate refers to things that aren't equal to what is expected or needed. Something can be naturally inadequate, as in "inadequate rainfall to stop the fire," or it can result from lack of effort, as when someone avoids a question: "Your response was totally inadequate. Tell me what really happened."

Definitions of inadequate

1. adjective

   lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
   “inadequate training”

   “the staff was inadequate”

   synonyms: unequal

   deficient, lacking, wanting

   inadequate in amount or degree

   incapable, incompetent, unequal to

   not meeting requirements

   short-handed, short-staffed, undermanned, understaffed

   inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.

   unsatisfactory

   not giving satisfaction

   antonyms:

   adequate

   having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

   adequate to, capable, equal to, up to

   having the requisite qualities for

   competent

   adequate for the purpose

   satisfactory

   giving satisfaction
2. adjective

   not sufficient to meet a need
   “an inadequate income”

   synonyms: poor, short

   deficient, insufficient

   of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement