inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
Synonyms
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
As a wheelchair user, she is impacted by ableist systems, but that is framed as society’s inadequacy, not her own.
—
Kayti Burt, TIME, 31 May 2024
The documentary not only chronicles the father-son relationship between Donnie and Eric but also delves into the healthcare system’s inadequacies regarding Black men’s health.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequacy 
Kayti Burt, TIME, 31 May 2024
The documentary not only chronicles the father-son relationship between Donnie and Eric but also delves into the healthcare system’s inadequacies regarding Black men’s health.
—Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequacy
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inadequacy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 4 Jun. 2024.
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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