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
The Epstein case remains a focal point of public and political attention due to longstanding questions about accountability, possible accomplices, and the adequacy of prior investigations.
—
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Reeves is expected to announce an overhaul of the pensions regime, focusing on the adequacy of retirement savings.
—Ritika Gupta, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Resisting these pressures will be critical if the brand is to maintain its distinctiveness in a marketplace that prizes authenticity over adequacy.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
In fact, a 2014 study on support adequacy found that for emotional support to effectively reduce stress, it must be perceived as genuine and aligned with the recipient’s needs.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adequacy
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.
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Reeves is expected to announce an overhaul of the pensions regime, focusing on the adequacy of retirement savings.
—Ritika Gupta, CNBC, 15 July 2025
Resisting these pressures will be critical if the brand is to maintain its distinctiveness in a marketplace that prizes authenticity over adequacy.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
In fact, a 2014 study on support adequacy found that for emotional support to effectively reduce stress, it must be perceived as genuine and aligned with the recipient’s needs.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 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 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share