"Barely adequate" is a phrase used when describing something that is just barely good enough or sufficient. However, there are many synonyms for this phrase that can help to add more color and specificity to your language. One example is "meager," which suggests that something is insufficient or lacking in quantity or quality. Another synonym is "subpar," which implies that something falls below the expected or required standard. "Middling" is another word that can be used in place of "barely adequate," indicating that something is average or moderate in quality. Other options include "insufficient," "mediocre," or "unsatisfactory," each of which can be used to describe something that is barely adequate or not up to par.