inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
Examples of inadequacy in a Sentence
the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds
tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Recent Examples on the Web
The problem is often misinterpreted by others and even by overachievers themselves as laziness or failure, which only deepens feelings of inadequacy.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
His coping mechanism of deflecting shame through humor works only when used to pave over his many inadequacies.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
And because Remick is also an insecure sad sack who desperately covets recognition, his personal inadequacies prevent him from doing anything particularly well.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
Once a family member dates someone from a different socioeconomic background, feelings of inadequacy or abandonment can be triggered in other family members.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
His coping mechanism of deflecting shame through humor works only when used to pave over his many inadequacies.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 2 May 2025
And because Remick is also an insecure sad sack who desperately covets recognition, his personal inadequacies prevent him from doing anything particularly well.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
Once a family member dates someone from a different socioeconomic background, feelings of inadequacy or abandonment can be triggered in other family members.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
a
: an inadequate amount
b
: a failure to meet expectations
feelings of inadequacy
aware of my own inadequacies
Medical Definition
inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural inadequacies
: the quality or state of being inadequate
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