adequate
adjective
UKˈæd.ɪ.kwətUSˈæd.ə.kwət
enough or satisfactory in quality or quantity to meet a particular need or requirement
Example Sentences
The instructions provided were adequate for the employees to complete the task.
They felt the sound quality at the concert was only adequate, though not impressive.
She was worried her experience might not be adequate for the specialized position she was applying for.
We need to ensure there are adequate facilities to accommodate the number of expected guests.
His salary was just adequate enough to cover monthly expenses, with little left for savings.
In order to deliver reliable results, every lab must have adequate equipment and properly trained technicians.
Despite the growing population, the city government struggled to allocate adequate resources to public schools, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and limited teaching materials that frustrated both educators and students.
When embarking on a long road trip, it is crucial to pack an adequate supply of water and snacks, along with emergency items such as a spare tire and first-aid kit, to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Sufficient, acceptable, or just enough to fulfill a given need or purpose.“Adequate” is an adjective that describes something as being enough or satisfactory for a specific requirement, though not necessarily exemplary. In everyday contexts, you might label a service, resource, or performance “adequate” if it meets basic expectations without going above and beyond. For instance, if your internet speed is adequate, it’s good enough to handle regular tasks like browsing and streaming, even if it’s not exceptionally fast. Many fields use “adequate” to indicate the minimum acceptable level. In safety standards, for example, an “adequate safety protocol” means it adheres to essential regulations but might not include further, more robust measures. In academic work, an “adequate” essay typically meets the prompt’s requirements but lacks the depth, style, or precision seen in higher-graded submissions. Similarly, describing living conditions as “adequate” suggests they are livable or sufficient without necessarily being comfortable or luxurious.When deciding whether to call something adequate, consider the relevant standards or goals. It focuses on fulfilling a requirement rather than exceeding it. In conversation, calling something “adequate” can hint at a reserved endorsement—acknowledging that it works or suffices without being particularly noteworthy. It can also reflect a polite understatement, especially if you prefer not to criticize harshly but want to note there’s room for improvement. From describing a meal to a business plan, “adequate” signals that the bare minimum has been covered, with no glaring shortcomings, yet still leaves the possibility for better quality or greater results.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, you might choose synonyms that highlight slight differences in sufficiency or quality. Words like “sufficient” and “enough” closely parallel “adequate” in meaning—they convey that something meets but does not exceed necessary requirements. “Acceptable” and “passable” suggest something meets a certain threshold but might fall short of excellence. “Decent” adds a hint of modest approval, while “mediocre” often implies a lack of distinction or charm.If you want a more positive spin, “competent” and “satisfactory” can indicate that something works well enough for its intended purpose. Meanwhile, “fair” often implies just treatment or balanced quality, though it can skew slightly underwhelming depending on tone. When addressing standards or minimum expectations, “barely sufficient” or “just enough” underline that whatever is being described stands on the edge of adequacy. Choose your alternative carefully to convey the precise shade of meaning—from mildly positive to somewhat disappointing—while staying in the realm of fundamental acceptability.
Writing
When using “adequate” in writing, especially in reports, reviews, or evaluations, it establishes that something meets necessary criteria without impressing or surpassing standards. Clarify the benchmarks if you can—why is it sufficient for the situation, and what might be lacking for it to be considered more than adequate? In a business proposal, you might note a budget is “adequate” to cover essential costs, yet explain that additional funding would enable higher-quality outcomes.In more personal or creative writing, “adequate” can set a particular tone—one of mild approval but also potential resignation or missed opportunity. For instance, a character might describe their job or home life as “adequate,” hinting at a sense of settling rather than pursuing something better. Whether you’re providing a formal assessment or setting a narrative atmosphere, adding context around the requirements or the speaker’s expectations will ensure your audience understands what “adequate” measures up against.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “adequate” typically means something does the job—it’s fine, it works, and you don’t have major complaints, but it’s nothing special either. You might tell a friend, “The restaurant was adequate,” if the food was okay but not memorable. If someone asks about your internet, you could say, “It’s adequate for my needs,” implying that it supports your usual online activities—streaming videos, browsing, sending emails—without problems.You can use “adequate” when you’re not enthused or when you don’t want to be overly critical. Saying, “The party was adequate” is almost like politely stating you weren’t impressed. Although it’s not necessarily a negative word, it’s also not brimming with praise or excitement. This mild, balanced tone can be useful when you want to convey lukewarm satisfaction or minimal expectations met. In casual settings, it’s straightforward and unassuming, sparing you from either glowing endorsements or harsh criticism.
Etymology
The word “adequate” comes from the Latin “adaequāre,” meaning “to make equal to” or “to level with,” based on “ad-” (‘to’) and “aequus” (‘equal’). Through Old French influences, it entered English with the sense of matching or meeting some requirement or standard. Over time, “adequate” evolved to mean being on par with what is necessary, neither excessive nor insufficient. Its historical roots carry the idea of balance or equivalence—meeting a threshold of acceptability without surpassing it. In modern usage, the word retains that sense of sufficiency. We use it in day-to-day life to signal that a given condition, resource, or effort holds steady at a baseline level, aligned with whatever standard is in place. Whether it’s “adequate funding,” “adequate explanation,” or “adequate time,” the message is that it’s enough to get the job done, though not necessarily more than that.
