inadequately

Inadequately is an adverb meaning not adequately; insufficiently to meet required standards or expectations. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses and is used to describe the manner in which something is performed, prepared, funded, or evaluated.

Etymology: the word is formed from the adjective inadequate, which derives from Latin adequatus through the prefix in- indicating negation in English, combined with the adverbial suffix -ly to form inadequately.

Usage: Inadequately is common in formal writing, including reporting, assessment, and policy analysis. It signals deficiency rather than error, emphasizing that the level of quality, quantity, or preparedness falls short. Examples: "The safety measures were inadequately implemented," "The data were inadequately sampled," "The proposal was inadequately argued." The adverb often appears with verbs of action or description such as implement, fund, plan, prepare, or justify.

Nuance and style: The term conveys critique and invites remediation, rather than simple disagreement. It is often paired with stronger terms (grossly, severely) when the deficiency is clear, or toned down in neutral reporting.

Related terms: Inadequate (adjective) describes the thing itself; inadequacy (noun) denotes the state of being insufficient. Antonyms include adequate and sufficient; synonyms include lacking, insufficient.

See also: adequacy, sufficiency, inadequate, inadequacy.