different between inadequate vs failing

English

Alternative forms

• inadæquate (archaic)

Etymology

in- +? adequate

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?n?æd?kw?t/
• Hyphenation: in?ad?e?quate

Adjective

inadequate (comparative more inadequate, superlative most inadequate)

1. Not adequate; not fit for the purpose

   Synonyms: insufficient, deficient; see also Thesaurus:inadequate

   • 2013 June 18, Simon Romero, "Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):

     In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate.

Translations

Noun

inadequate (plural inadequates)

1. An individual who is inadequate.
   • 2012, Norman T. Feather, The Psychological Impact of Unemployment

     Thus, at some critical level of unemployment, “the unemployed” becomes a negative reference group of inadequates, the hardcore unemployed […]

English

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /?fe?.l??/
• Rhymes: -e?l??

Verb

failing

1. present participle of fail

Noun

failing (plural failings)

1. weakness; defect

   His worst failing is his temper.

Translations

Preposition

failing

1. if the preferred or prior option is not possible

   A large proportion of the females employed in other firms are said to have signified their intention of going on strike, failing a settlement.

Translations