ad·e·quate
Pronounced:
/ˈædɪkwət/
Function:
adjectiveMeaning:
[more ad*e*quate; most ad*e*quate] 1 : enough for some need or requirement ▪ Be sure to allow adequate [=sufficient, enough] time for the paint to dry. ▪ The garden hasn't been getting adequate water. ▪ The food was more than adequate for the six of us.
2 : good enough : of a quality that is good or acceptable ▪ Millions of people lack adequate [=sufficient] health care. ▪ The school lunch should be adequate to meet the nutritional needs of growing children. ▪ The machine does an adequate job. ▪ The tent should provide adequate protection from the elements. ▪ The quality of his work was perfectly adequate. : of a quality that is acceptable but not better than acceptable ▪ Your grades are adequate but I think you can do better. ▪ The quality of his work was only/merely/barely adequate. —opposite inadequate
2 : good enough : of a quality that is good or acceptable ▪ Millions of people lack adequate [=sufficient] health care. ▪ The school lunch should be adequate to meet the nutritional needs of growing children. ▪ The machine does an adequate job. ▪ The tent should provide adequate protection from the elements. ▪ The quality of his work was perfectly adequate. : of a quality that is acceptable but not better than acceptable ▪ Your grades are adequate but I think you can do better. ▪ The quality of his work was only/merely/barely adequate. —opposite inadequate
—ad·e·qua·cy /ˈædɪkwəsi/ noun [noncount] ▪ Environmentalists doubt the adequacy of the regulations. [=doubt that the regulations are adequate]
/ˈædɪkwəsi/ noun [noncount] ▪ Environmentalists doubt the adequacy of the regulations. [=doubt that the regulations are adequate]—ad·e·quate·ly adverb ▪ Are you adequately prepared for the exam?