(adj) lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task, Syn. unequal, Ant. adequate, Example:inadequate training; the staff was inadequate; she was unequal to the task
(adj) not sufficient to meet a need, Syn. poor, short, Example:an inadequate income; a poor salary; money is short; on short rations; food is in short supply; short on experience
a. [ Pref. in- not + adequate: cf. F. inadéquat. ] Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc. Dryden.
-- In*ad"e*quate*ly, adv. -- In*ad"e*quate*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]