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.
However, the roadblock facing CIOs is the inadequacy of their networks being capable of supporting future technological initiatives or ready to overcome current external challenges. Sander Barens, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 The early Afrikaner victories not only showed the inadequacies of the British Army but were generally welcomed around the world. Margaret MacMillan, Foreign Affairs, 21 July 2025 The aid effort has laid bare the inadequacy of the defense industrial base to replenish those weapons stocks. Katherine Doyle, NBC news, 4 July 2025 Debates surrounding its future intensified in the 2000s, as DFW’s ballooning population laid bare the long-term inadequacies of its water reserves. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 5 Aug. 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

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