Inadequate: meaning, definitions and examples

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inadequate

[ ɪˈnædɪkwət ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

Not enough or not good enough; not acceptable or satisfactory

Synonyms

deficient, insufficient, substandard, unsatisfactory

Examples of usage

The company's response to the crisis was inadequate.
His salary is inadequate to support his family.
She felt inadequate compared to her peers.

^{Context #2}

psychology

Feeling insecure, not good enough, or lacking self-confidence

Synonyms

inferior, insecure, unworthy, worthless

Examples of usage

She often feels inadequate in social situations.
He has a fear of failure which makes him feel inadequate.

Translations

Translations of the word "inadequate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inadequado

🇮🇳 अपर्याप्त

🇩🇪 unangemessen

🇮🇩 tidak memadai

🇺🇦 недостатній

🇵🇱 niewystarczający

🇯🇵 不適切な

🇫🇷 inadéquat

🇪🇸 inadecuado

🇹🇷 yetersiz

🇰🇷 부적절한

🇸🇦 غير كافٍ

🇨🇿 nedostatečný

🇸🇰 nedostatočný

🇨🇳 不合适的

🇸🇮 neustrezen

🇮🇸 ófullnægjandi

🇰🇿 жеткіліксіз

🇬🇪 არასაკმარისი

🇦🇿 kafi deyil

🇲🇽 inadecuado

Word origin

The word 'inadequate' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'inadequatus', which means 'not equal to'. Over time, it has evolved to represent the idea of something not being enough or not meeting the required standards. The concept of inadequacy is commonly explored in psychology and social sciences, highlighting the importance of self-worth and confidence.

See also: adequacy, adequately, inadequately.