inadequate Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
    unequal.
    • inadequate training
    • the staff was inadequate
    • she was unequal to the task
  2. adjective satellite not sufficient to meet a need
    poor; short.
    • an inadequate income
    • a poor salary
    • money is short
    • on short rations
    • food is in short supply
    • short on experience

WordNet

In*ad"e*quate adjective
Etymology
Pref. in- not + adequate: cf. F. inadéquat.
Definitions
  1. Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc. Dryden. -- In*ad"e*quate*ly, adv. -- In*ad"e*quate*ness, n.

Webster 1913