The Opposite(Antonym) of “adequate”
The antonyms of adequate are inadequate, insufficient, and unsatisfactory. These words convey a lack of sufficiency or adequacy in quantity, quality, or performance.
Explore all Antonyms of “adequate”
Definitions and Examples of inadequate, insufficient, unsatisfactory
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Not enough or not suitable for a particular purpose.
Example
The company's budget was inadequate to cover the expenses of the project.
Not enough in amount or degree; inadequate.
Example
The water supply was insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.
Not meeting expectations or requirements; disappointing.
Example
The quality of the product was unsatisfactory and did not match the advertised features.
Key Differences: inadequate vs insufficient vs unsatisfactory
- 1Inadequate implies that something is not enough or not suitable for a particular purpose.
- 2Insufficient suggests that something is not enough in amount or degree.
- 3Unsatisfactory means that something is not meeting expectations or requirements.
Effective Usage of inadequate, insufficient, unsatisfactory
- 1Academic Writing: Use these antonyms to describe research findings, data, or evidence that do not meet the expected standards.
- 2Performance Evaluation: Incorporate these antonyms to provide feedback on an employee's work or a student's performance.
- 3Product Reviews: Utilize these antonyms to describe the quality, features, or performance of a product or service.
Remember this!
The antonyms of adequate are inadequate, insufficient, and unsatisfactory. These words convey a lack of sufficiency or adequacy in quantity, quality, or performance. Use these antonyms in academic writing, performance evaluation, and product reviews to provide feedback and describe shortcomings.
