inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
the inadequacy of the response
2
: insufficiency, deficiency
I'm aware of my inadequacies as a parent.
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
Any nook and cranny across the building becomes a storage space — the number of issues with the current space at this point is a scroll of inadequacies, many city employees said.
—
Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
And as Shah tries to land the role, public scrutiny and feelings of inadequacy well up.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
The supporting cast, which includes such legends as Saleh Bakri and Hiam Abbass, is tremendous, but in a way their presence highlights Yusuf’s inadequacy as a protagonist.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
When asked about network inadequacy claims from parents, Florida Blue said as of March 1, specialized pediatric care provided by Nicklaus Children’s Health System doctors in Broward County, including those newly affiliated with Broward Health, will be considered in network.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
And as Shah tries to land the role, public scrutiny and feelings of inadequacy well up.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
The supporting cast, which includes such legends as Saleh Bakri and Hiam Abbass, is tremendous, but in a way their presence highlights Yusuf’s inadequacy as a protagonist.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
When asked about network inadequacy claims from parents, Florida Blue said as of March 1, specialized pediatric care provided by Nicklaus Children’s Health System doctors in Broward County, including those newly affiliated with Broward Health, will be considered in network.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē
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
plural inadequacies
: the quality or state of being inadequate
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