nonadequate

Nonadequate is an adjective used to describe something that is not sufficient or not enough to meet a particular need, requirement, or standard. It implies a deficiency or lack in quantity, quality, or suitability. For instance, a meal might be considered nonadequate if it does not provide sufficient nutritional value, or a plan might be deemed nonadequate if it fails to address all the necessary aspects of a problem. The term emphasizes the absence of what is required for something to be considered complete, satisfactory, or effective. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from personal circumstances to systemic issues. A common usage is in legal or contractual settings where a service or product is found to be nonadequate if it does not perform as expected or promised. Similarly, in discussions about resources, a nonadequate supply can lead to shortages or failures. The opposite of nonadequate is adequate, meaning sufficient or satisfactory. The prefix "non-" clearly indicates the negation of adequacy.