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
• satisfactoriness
• sufficiency

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

National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy said at the hearing her agency has been recommending since 1988 that the Coast Guard and Federal Highway Administration review the adequacy status of pier protection for bridges over navigable waters, U.S. ports and waterways. —Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 16 May 2024

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

adequ(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈad-i-kwə-sē 

plural adequacies

: the quality or state of being adequate