adequately
- 1To a degree sufficient to satisfy a requirement or meet a need.
The shelter was adequately stocked with food and blankets before the storm hit.
She explained the procedure adequately enough for the new staff to follow it.
Similarsufficiently, properly, well
Oppositeinadequately, insufficiently, poorly
Note
The neutral, even reassuring use: something adequately provided for has what it needs, judged against a stated requirement. It sits comfortably beside verbs of supply and care, as when David Pearce speaks of a relationship that adequately provides for an animal's physical and psychological needs. Need and requirement are its natural partners, and the tone is approving rather than grudging, unlike the "barely enough" meaning.
- 2To a degree that is just barely satisfactory or sufficient, meeting the minimum but no more.
The budget covered the essentials adequately, with nothing left to spare.
Her report was adequately written, clearing the requirement but going no further.
Similarpassably, tolerably, acceptably, sufficiently
Oppositeinadequately, insufficiently
Note
Faint praise in adverb form: work done adequately in this sense has cleared the bar and nothing more. The tone is mildly disparaging, and only context separates it from the "sufficient" meaning. The same sentence can reassure or quietly criticize. In a review or a reference, where the reader is listening for judgment, expect it to be heard this way, and choose a warmer word if you mean well.
- 3In a manner that is acceptable or sufficient for its purpose.
The repairs were carried out adequately, though the finish lacked polish.
He performed adequately in his first interview and was called back for a second.
Similarsatisfactorily, acceptably, competently, decently
Oppositeinadequately, poorly, badly, unsatisfactorily
Practice
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Origin
Formed from the adjective "adequate" with the adverb-forming suffix "-ly".