Meaning & Definition of word "Adequate"

Adequate

/ˈædɪkwət/

adjective:

  • 1. Sufficient in quantity, quality, or degree to meet the needs or requirements.
    • Example: The food provided at the event was adequate for all the guests.
  • 2. Acceptable but not exceptionally good.
    • Example: His performance in the examination was adequate, allowing him to pass the course.
  • 3. Meeting the minimum standard; satisfactory.
    • Example: The report was adequate, covering most of the necessary points, but lacking depth.

Etymology

Late Middle English: from Latin 'adequatus', from 'ad' meaning 'to' + 'aequare' meaning 'to make equal'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

adequate supply:

a supply that meets the basic needs

adequate measure:

a measure that is sufficient for a purpose

adequate time:

time that is sufficient to complete a task

Related Words

adequacy:

the quality of being adequate; sufficiency.

adequateness:

the state of being adequate; satisfactory quality.

Slang Meanings of adequate

Meaning: meh

Example Sentence: The food was mehh, just adequate.

Meaning: good enough

Example Sentence: It's not great, but it's good enough for now.