What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deficient
Example
The company's budget was deficient, and they had to cut back on expenses. [deficient: adjective]
Example
The child's diet was deficient in iron, which caused anemia. [deficient: adjective]
Example
The team's performance was deficient in several areas, leading to their loss. [deficient: adjective]
inadequate
Example
The safety measures were inadequate, leading to several accidents. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
The employee's skills were inadequate for the position, and they were let go. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
The school's resources were inadequate to meet the needs of the students. [inadequate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inadequate is more commonly used than deficient in everyday language. Inadequate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deficient is less common and refers to a more specific type of lack.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deficient and inadequate?
Deficient is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while inadequate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
