1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequacy
Indeed, stories of their stunning inadequacies, from news outlets, NGOs, and foreign funders, helped to contextualize the Ebola outbreak, as well as the need for such a dramatic international response.
—
Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025
Anger, withdrawal or defensiveness often serve as protective layers, masking deeper emotional struggles like a fear of abandonment, unmet needs or longstanding feelings of inadequacy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Tribes say the moves highlight broader concerns about the inadequacy of tribal consultation and the potential for companies to bypass protections for Indigenous land.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
The late Elie Wiesel, the prolific Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and survivor, spoke often of the inadequacy of language in describing the horrors of the Holocaust.
—Malina Saval, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Mara Kardas-Nelson, The Dial, 8 Apr. 2025
Anger, withdrawal or defensiveness often serve as protective layers, masking deeper emotional struggles like a fear of abandonment, unmet needs or longstanding feelings of inadequacy.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Tribes say the moves highlight broader concerns about the inadequacy of tribal consultation and the potential for companies to bypass protections for Indigenous land.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
The late Elie Wiesel, the prolific Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and survivor, spoke often of the inadequacy of language in describing the horrors of the Holocaust.
—Malina Saval, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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The initiative will create long-term parking or expand existing lots, aiming to combat the shortage of safe and accessible truck parking, according to a news release.—
Annie Goldman,
The Enquirer,
31 July 2025
-
It was further reported that The King’s Foundation brought in a specialist human resources consultancy, which upheld claims about staff shortages, inadequate management practices and low pay.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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His inability to defend and his swing and miss rate are just so hard to overcome.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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Parkinson’s patients typically notice a physical slowing and inability to move their body.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
25 July 2025
Noun
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Both actors, who have been previously married to other celebrities, have indicated a lack of interest in dating.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
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Whether due to inadequate service, lack of knowledge and experience, or scheduling conflicts, transitioning to a planner who aligns better with your needs can provide the personalized and sophisticated support necessary for achieving your financial goals.—
Cicely Jones,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Symptoms of severe protein deficiency can show up in the skin as well.—
Victoria Moorhouse,
Allure,
30 July 2025
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For me, my deficiencies showed up in my body as fatigue.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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