inadequacy

noun

in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2

Examples of inadequacy in a Sentence

the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Persistently monitoring employees suggests a deficit of confidence and independence in their roles, conveying that the employees’ performance is subpar and cultivating a sense of inadequacy. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 For almost ten years, successive British governments have been trying to redress the inadequacy of the Hyde Park memorial with a new, showstopping monument next to the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025 Newcastle and Howe have found a way through their own difficulty, sticking to founding principles but willing to be pragmatic, self-powered but helped by the inadequacy of others. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 Technology like the Jupiter One 30 MW hydrogen generator just might make these inefficiencies and inadequacies no longer a problem. New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inadequacy 

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inadequacy was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near inadequacy

Cite this Entry

“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

inadequacy

noun
in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
a
: an inadequate amount
b
: a failure to meet expectations
feelings of inadequacy
aware of my own inadequacies

Medical Definition

inadequacy

noun
in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
plural inadequacies
: the quality or state of being inadequate

More from Merriam-Webster on inadequacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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