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
What these regulations require is not uniformity, but adequacy — a basic floor, not a ceiling.
—
David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Nonetheless, the results prompted state Sens. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, who are cousins, to call for an audit of the agency’s enforcement practices, its responsiveness to safety concerns and the adequacy of current compliance measures.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Over two thirds of respondents express concerns about their access to healthcare, the adequacy of retirement savings, and the robustness of public safety nets.
—Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Liquidity Check-Up: Assess the adequacy of liquid assets to provide a financial cushion during economic uncertainties.
6.
—Ira Walker, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
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David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2025
Nonetheless, the results prompted state Sens. Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, and Rod Pelton, R-Cheyenne Wells, who are cousins, to call for an audit of the agency’s enforcement practices, its responsiveness to safety concerns and the adequacy of current compliance measures.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2025
Over two thirds of respondents express concerns about their access to healthcare, the adequacy of retirement savings, and the robustness of public safety nets.
—Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
Liquidity Check-Up: Assess the adequacy of liquid assets to provide a financial cushion during economic uncertainties.
6.
—Ira Walker, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 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 15 May. 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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