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".
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
While the deal includes annual wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for employees, some workers are expressing concerns over the adequacy of these raises amid rising inflation.
—
Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Among the notable measurements within the report is the educational adequacy score, which shows the current ability of a building to effectively support Fort Worth ISD’s educational standards.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
On cross-examination, Jackson raised questions about the adequacy of the evidence collection.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
The president took executive action in January to establish a FEMA Review Council to examine the agency's disaster capabilities and assess the adequacy of its disaster response during former President Joe Biden's administration.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
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Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
Among the notable measurements within the report is the educational adequacy score, which shows the current ability of a building to effectively support Fort Worth ISD’s educational standards.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025
On cross-examination, Jackson raised questions about the adequacy of the evidence collection.
—Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 16 June 2025
The president took executive action in January to establish a FEMA Review Council to examine the agency's disaster capabilities and assess the adequacy of its disaster response during former President Joe Biden's administration.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
Cite this Entry
“Adequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adequacy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
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