inadequacy

noun

in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 

plural inadequacies

1

: the quality or state of being inadequate

the inadequacy of the response

2

: insufficiency, deficiency

I'm aware of my inadequacies as a parent.

Synonyms of inadequacy

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency

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

There’s an inherent inadequacy of the English language to fully illustrate how great this bar is. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026

Now, watching back, Fishel said those feelings of inadequacy almost ended her on-camera career moving forward. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Any nook and cranny across the building becomes a storage space — the number of issues with the current space at this point is a scroll of inadequacies, many city employees said. —Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026

And as Shah tries to land the role, public scrutiny and feelings of inadequacy well up. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inadequacy

• adequacy

Kids 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