adequate

/ˈædəkwət/

/ˈædɪkwɪt/

When you want to say that something is enough or good enough for a particular need, use the adjective adequate. You might have an adequate amount of flour for a batch of pancakes, but not a lot extra.

Adequate can also describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory, but not any better than that. You might say that a student's grades are adequate but need improvement. This word is from Latin adaequāre"to make equal," from the prefix ad- plus aequare "to equal."

Definitions of adequate

1. adjective

   having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task
   “she had adequate training”

   “her training was adequate”

   “she was adequate to the job”

   synonyms: equal

   adequate to, capable, equal to, up to

   having the requisite qualities for

   competent

   adequate for the purpose

   satisfactory

   giving satisfaction

   antonyms:

   inadequate

   lacking the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task

   deficient, lacking, wanting

   inadequate in amount or degree

   incapable, incompetent, unequal to

   not meeting requirements

   short-handed, short-staffed, undermanned, understaffed

   inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.

   unsatisfactory

   not giving satisfaction
2. adjective

   sufficient for the purpose
   “an adequate income”

   “the food was adequate”

   synonyms: decent, enough

   sufficient

   of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant
3. adjective

   about average; acceptable
   “more than adequate as a secretary”

   synonyms: fair to middling, passable, tolerable

   satisfactory

   giving satisfaction