Meaning of the Word
“Adequate” means sufficient or acceptable in quality or quantity to meet a particular requirement or standard.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity for a particular purpose.
- Sufficient to meet the needs or expectations of a given situation.
- Neither superior nor inferior, but enough to fulfill a requirement or standard.
- Capable of handling a task or situation, though not necessarily outstanding.
History and Origin
The word “adequate” comes from the Latin adequatus, meaning “equal to,” derived from ad- (toward) and aequatus (equal), which means “made equal to or sufficient.” The word entered English in the 16th century and originally referred to something that was “equal to the task.” Over time, its meaning evolved to denote sufficiency, rather than excellence.
Detailed Explanation
“Adequate” refers to something that is sufficient to meet the basic needs of a situation but may not exceed expectations. It implies that something fulfills a requirement, but does not necessarily go beyond what is necessary or desirable. For example, an “adequate” meal might fill you up but may not be particularly special, or an “adequate” response to a problem might solve the issue, but without extra effort or creativity. While it conveys sufficiency, “adequate” can sometimes imply that something is merely average or unimpressive.
Example Sentences
- The hotel room was adequate, but it lacked any special features.
- His performance was adequate, though he could have done more to impress the judges.
- She provided an adequate explanation of the process, but it was a bit unclear.
- The food was adequate, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
- The test results were adequate for the study, but further testing may be required.
- We have adequate resources to complete the project on time.
- His contribution to the team was adequate, but not outstanding.
- The facilities are adequate for the event, though improvements would be helpful.
- The car’s performance is adequate for city driving, but it’s not ideal for long trips.
Synonyms with Short Explanations
- Sufficient – Enough to meet the needs of a situation or requirement.
- Acceptable – Considered satisfactory or permissible, but not exceptional.
- Average – Typical or ordinary in quality, not extraordinary or below par.
- Competent – Able to do something well enough to meet the basic standards.
- Modest – Moderate in size, quality, or extent, often implying something sufficient but not extravagant.
Related Words with Short Explanations
- Minimal – The least amount necessary to meet a requirement, often used to describe adequacy in the lowest sense.
- Basic – Simple and essential, without extra features or complexity.
- Standard – An established level of quality or requirement that is generally accepted.
- Acceptability – The quality of being satisfactory or adequate according to set standards.
- Tolerance – The capacity to accept something within a range of adequacy or acceptability.
More Matches with Short Explanations
- Passable – Satisfactory or acceptable but not outstanding.
- Fair – Adequate or acceptable, though not excellent or superior.
- Ordinary – Commonplace, typical, or not special, often implying adequacy.
- Reasonable – Within the bounds of what is acceptable or sufficient.
- Decent – Acceptable in quality or standard, though not exceptional.
Antonyms
- Insufficient
- Inadequate
- Deficient
- Subpar
- Unacceptable