unzulängliche

The German adjective "unzulänglich" translates to "inadequate" or "insufficient" in English. It describes something that does not meet a required standard, expectation, or need. The term can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from physical objects and abstract concepts to performance and effort.

For example, a report might be deemed "unzulänglich" if it lacks essential data or analysis. Similarly, a person's preparation for an exam could be considered "unzulänglich" if they have not studied enough. In a more technical sense, a safety mechanism might be "unzulänglich" if it fails to provide adequate protection. The core idea is a deficiency, a falling short of what is necessary or desirable.

The opposite of "unzulänglich" is "zulänglich," meaning adequate or sufficient. The adjective carries a sense of a gap between what exists and what should be. It is a common term in German used to express criticism or to identify areas requiring improvement. Understanding "unzulänglich" is key to comprehending discussions about standards, requirements, and the evaluation of performance or quality in the German language.