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
In his first lead movie role, Tim Robinson plays Craig Waterman, a man whose life of suburban adequacy is disrupted when local weatherman Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd) moves in down the street and platonically sweeps Craig off his feet.
—
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
This includes $565 million in adequacy funding, which is distributed to school districts based on a state formula designed to ensure every district has the resources needed to provide an adequate education.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
The council, by a 5-0 vote, approved the final environmental impact statement adequacy done by a mining company that operates a sand and gravel mine on Lower Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
Data primarily comes from hospital surveys focusing on patient safety, infection prevention, and adequacy of the nurse staffing.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
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Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
This includes $565 million in adequacy funding, which is distributed to school districts based on a state formula designed to ensure every district has the resources needed to provide an adequate education.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
The council, by a 5-0 vote, approved the final environmental impact statement adequacy done by a mining company that operates a sand and gravel mine on Lower Grey Cloud Island in Cottage Grove.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
Data primarily comes from hospital surveys focusing on patient safety, infection prevention, and adequacy of the nurse staffing.
—Anna Halkidis, Parents, 7 Oct. 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 16 Dec. 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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