What is the meaning of the word exiguous?

The word "exiguous" refers to something that is very small in quantity or insufficient; therefore, it accurately aligns with the meaning of inadequate. This term conveys a sense of deficiency or a lack of elements necessary to meet a certain standard or need. In various contexts, such as describing resources or evidence, exiguous implies that what is available is not enough to satisfy the requirements or expectations. This understanding of exiguous as insufficient directly supports the choice of inadequate as the correct answer. The other options, although they have their own meanings, do not capture the essence of something being insufficient in quantity or extent, which is what exiguous specifically denotes.