What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meager
Example
The family's meager income made it difficult to afford basic necessities. [meager: adjective]
Example
The restaurant's meager portions left us feeling hungry and unsatisfied. [meager: adjective]
inadequate
Example
The company's inadequate safety measures resulted in several accidents. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
The student's performance was deemed inadequate for the advanced class. [inadequate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inadequate is more commonly used than meager in everyday language. Inadequate is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while meager is less common and tends to be used in specific situations related to scarcity or poverty.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between meager and inadequate?
Both meager and inadequate are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional settings. However, inadequate may be slightly more formal than meager due to its stronger connotations and broader range of usage.
