adeguato
/a.deˈɡwa.to/
The English word 'adequate' is translated into Italian as adeguato.
adeguato is used to describe something that is equal to some requirement.
Meaning: equal to some requirement (adj)
Which one should you use?
While adeguato implies being suitable or appropriate for a specific purpose or standard, the related term sufficiente focuses more strictly on quantity or meeting a minimum threshold.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: adeguata (feminine singular), adeguati (masculine plural) and adeguate (feminine plural). The default form is the masculine singular form adeguato.
How do you pronounce it?
adeguato is pronounced /a.deˈɡwa.to/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word adeguato shares a common ancestor with the English word 'equal', as both relate to the concept of being 'level' or 'even'.
- In Italian, the concept of being 'adequate' in a social setting is often linked to the word decoro, referring to the dignity and propriety expected in public behavior.
- Unlike the English 'adequate', which can sometimes feel like a 'C' grade or mediocre, adeguato often carries a stronger sense of being 'appropriate' or 'correct' for the situation.
Examples in context
- Il collegamento deve essere adeguato.The connection must be adequate.This sentence shows how to describe a connection that must be adequate using adeguato.Tatoeba #5169117 by Guybrush88, translation #11166602 by gcaplan
- Il servizio sanitario nazionale era lungi dall’essere adeguato.The national health service was far from adequate.This sentence uses adeguato to describe a national health service that was far from adequate.Tatoeba #12429554 by Guybrush88, translation #241359 by CM
- Era adeguato.It was adequate.This sentence uses adeguato to state that something was adequate.Tatoeba #5561663 by Guybrush88, translation #2248799 by CK
- La tua risposta è stata sufficienteYour answer was adequate
- Le condizioni di lavoro sono accettabiliThe working conditions are adequate
- Il candidato sembra idoneo per la posizioneThe candidate seems adequate for the position
- Il cibo al ristorante era passabileThe food at the restaurant was adequate
- La quantità di cibo era accettabile per il numero di ospitiThe amount of food was adequate for the number of guests
- La tua risposta è giusta, ma potresti migliorarla ancoraYour answer is adequate, but you could improve it further
- Il tuo lavoro è passabile, ma potresti fare di meglioYour work is adequate, but you could do better
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing the preparations for a small office event.
- FrancescoPensi che lo spazio sia adeguato per tutti?Do you think the space is adequate for everyone?
- GiuliaSì, la stanza è abbastanza grande, Francesco.Yes, the room is large enough, Francesco.
- FrancescoE per quanto riguarda il numero di sedie?And what about the number of chairs?
- GiuliaNon preoccuparti, ho un numero adeguato di sedie.Don't worry, I have an adequate number of chairs.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry adeguato, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries adeguato, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
