adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈa-di-kwə-sē How to pronounce adequacy (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their ratings consider factors such as capital adequacy, liquidity, and operational risks. True Tamplin, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 This transactional approach raises questions about its adequacy in addressing long-term security concerns for both the U.S. and its Gulf partners. 6. Guney Yildiz, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Courts are asked to decide about adequacy or equity in funding, which is what state constitutions enshrine. Jeanne Allen, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 The filing also details various financial agreements and regulatory compliance, including capital adequacy and liquidity management strategies. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adequacy

Word History

Etymology

adequ(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adequacy was in 1701

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adequacy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

adequacy

noun
ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈad-i-kwə-sē How to pronounce adequacy (audio)
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate

More from Merriam-Webster on adequacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!