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.
Once again, we are reminded of the central thesis of The Franchise: God, who would want to work with any of these people? Certainly not Adam, whose own ever-present feelings of inadequacy are amplified with the arrival of Kyle. Jack King, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024 Trump increasingly has made his criticisms of Harris about her fundamental capacity and competence, suggesting an innate inadequacy that distinguished her from Biden. Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 The data shows autoroute and battery inadequacies on more than 30 other EVs. Neil Winton, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 Benefits of Supplements for Energy The benefits of energy supplements are those that correct nutrient inadequacies or deficiencies. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Verywell Health, 13 Sep. 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 30 Nov. 2024.

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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