SKIP TO CONTENT

adequate

/ˈædəkwət/
/ˈædɪkwɪt/
IPA guide

When you want to say that something is enough or good enough for a particular need, use the adjective adequate. You might have an adequate amount of flour for a batch of pancakes, but not a lot extra.

Adequate can also describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory, but not any better than that. You might say that a student's grades are adequate but need improvement. This word is from Latin adaequāre"to make equal," from the prefix ad- plus aequare "to equal."

Definitions of adequate
  1. adjective
    having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
    “she had adequate training”
    “her training was adequate
    “she was adequate to the job”
    synonyms: equal
    adequate to, capable, equal to, up to
    having the requisite qualities for
    competent
    adequate for the purpose
    satisfactory
    giving satisfaction
    see moresee less
    antonyms:
    inadequate
    lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
    deficient, lacking, wanting
    inadequate in amount or degree
    incapable, incompetent, unequal to
    not meeting requirements
    short-handed, short-staffed, undermanned, understaffed
    inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.
    unsatisfactory
    not giving satisfaction
  2. adjective
    sufficient for the purpose
    “an adequate income”
    “the food was adequate
    synonyms: decent, enough
    sufficient
    of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
  3. adjective
    about average; acceptable
    “more than adequate as a secretary”
    satisfactory
    giving satisfaction
Pronunciation
US
/ˈædəkwət/
UK
/ˈædɪkwɪt/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘adequate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family