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
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
The average adequacy level in underfunded districts has climbed from 67% to 77%.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
The filing also highlights the company's capital adequacy, with CSB Bancorp and its subsidiary bank meeting or exceeding all regulatory capital requirements.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
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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
The average adequacy level in underfunded districts has climbed from 67% to 77%.
—Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
The filing also highlights the company's capital adequacy, with CSB Bancorp and its subsidiary bank meeting or exceeding all regulatory capital requirements.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 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 26 Jun. 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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