adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈa-di-kwə-sē 

plural adequacies

: the quality or state of being adequate

Did you know?

When we question the adequacy of health-care coverage, or parking facilities, or school funding, we're asking if they are equal to our need. The adjective adequate means "enough" or "acceptable"—though in sentences like "His performance was adequate", it really means "no better than acceptable".

Synonyms

• acceptability
• sufficiency
• goodness

Examples of adequacy in a Sentence

the fire department sent someone to determine the adequacy of the building's evacuation plan

Recent Examples on the Web

The case also sits at the center of a broader national debate over public transit safety, the adequacy of mental health interventions, and criminal justice reform. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

Besides delaying processing, these errors jeopardize compliance if network adequacy rules aren't met. —Charles Wong, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Those benefits include higher protein intake; better adequacy of key brain-supporting nutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin B-12 and choline, which help regulate memory, mood, muscle control and other functions; and a more diverse gut microbiota. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Barrington’s adequacy level is 119%. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adequ(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adequacy

• inadequacy

Kids Definition

adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈad-i-kwə-sē 

plural adequacies

: the quality or state of being adequate