What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inadequate
Example
The company's response to the crisis was inadequate. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
Her qualifications were inadequate for the job. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
The school's facilities were inadequate for the growing student population. [inadequate: adjective]
unsatisfactory
Example
The results of the experiment were unsatisfactory. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
Example
The customer complained about the unsatisfactory service at the restaurant. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
Example
The product was returned due to its unsatisfactory quality. [unsatisfactory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsatisfactory is slightly more common than inadequate in everyday language, but both words are widely used and easily understood by English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inadequate and unsatisfactory?
Both inadequate and unsatisfactory are formal words that are appropriate for use in professional or academic contexts. However, inadequate may be more technical and specialized, while unsatisfactory is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
