ADEQUATE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does adequate mean? 

• ADEQUATE (adjective)
  The adjective ADEQUATE has 3 senses:

1. having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

2. sufficient for the purpose

3. about average; acceptable

  Familiarity information: ADEQUATE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ADEQUATE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

Synonyms:

adequate; equal

Context example:

he was equal to the task

Similar:

adequate to; capable; equal to; up to (having the requisite qualities for)

competent (adequate, but not outstanding or exceptional)

Also:

satisfactory (giving satisfaction)

Attribute:

adequacy; adequateness (the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily:)

Antonym:

inadequate (lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task)

Derivation:

adequateness (the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily:)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Sufficient for the purpose

Synonyms:

adequate; enough

Context example:

food enough

Similar:

sufficient (of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant)

Derivation:

adequateness (the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily:)

Sense 3

Meaning:

About average; acceptable

Synonyms:

adequate; fair to middling; passable; tolerable

Context example:

more than adequate as a secretary

Similar:

satisfactory (giving satisfaction)

Derivation:

adequateness (the quality of being able to meet a need satisfactorily:)

 Context examples 

A finding indicating the lack of adequate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter resulting in difficulty swallowing food.

(Esophageal Achalasia, NCI Thesaurus)

The device software failed to provide adequate authorization, access control, and accountability features.

(Device Software Security Vulnerability Evaluation Result, Food and Drug Administration)

Indicates a biomedical image that is of best quality, most adequate for diagnostic purposes or for publication.

(Exemplary Quality, NCI Thesaurus)

A question about whether an individual currently has adequate moisture in their mouth.

(Have Adequate Moisture in Mouth, NCI Thesaurus)

A question about whether an individual has or had a problem receiving adequate disease and treatment information.

(Have Problem Receiving Adequate Disease and Treatment Information, NCI Thesaurus)

Testing the device for adequate immunity or capability to resist electromagnetic interference (EMI).

(Device Immunity Testing Evaluation Method, Food and Drug Administration)

Devices that do not send or receive adequate signals (this speaks to the interoperability between devices).

(Device Communications Problem Evaluation Result, Food and Drug Administration)

His temptation is not adequate to the risk!

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Consumption of gluten protein triggers an immune response which damages small intestinal villi and prevents adequate absorption of nutrients.

(Celiac Disease, NCI Thesaurus)

Its cause is unclear but may be attributed, in part, to increased collagen synthesis without adequate fibrolysis.

(Collagenous Sprue, NCI Thesaurus)