inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 
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
Basically, achievement boosts self-esteem temporarily, while setbacks can trigger deep feelings of inadequacy.
—
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Yet there’s more to their incoming title win than the inadequacies of those around them.
—Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
However, research suggests that these ideals can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Hidden until then, the girl seems almost like a manifestation of Linda’s feelings, from imminent meltdown to resentment of her absentee husband (a pragmatic-sounding Christian Slater, who checks in by phone) to an overall inadequacy as a mother.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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.
Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Yet there’s more to their incoming title win than the inadequacies of those around them.
—Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
However, research suggests that these ideals can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Hidden until then, the girl seems almost like a manifestation of Linda’s feelings, from imminent meltdown to resentment of her absentee husband (a pragmatic-sounding Christian Slater, who checks in by phone) to an overall inadequacy as a mother.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share