1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of inadequacy
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
Then there's social jealousy, like if your daughter didn't get invited to a sleepover, which causes feelings of insecurity or inadequacy.
—Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Brook failed to find his big moment in the 2023 World Cup, two T20 World Cups or the recent Champions Trophy where the Three Lions showed inadequacies in all parts of their game.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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
Then there's social jealousy, like if your daughter didn't get invited to a sleepover, which causes feelings of insecurity or inadequacy.
—Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Brook failed to find his big moment in the 2023 World Cup, two T20 World Cups or the recent Champions Trophy where the Three Lions showed inadequacies in all parts of their game.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
-
To address the critical worker shortage, Massachusetts must prioritize benefits and training and improve pay for DSPs.—
Brian Cusack,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
-
There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Fever head coach Stephanie White was upset with how the referees officiated the game and about the inability to take control.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2025
-
Predicate orders are based on the abandonment, abuse or neglect of that child by one or both parents, and the inability to reunify with one or both parents, based on those findings.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
A lot of people watch Fox or MSNBC or ABC to get their news, but as far as programming that’s reality-based or even scripted even, there’s a lack of quality content that’s produced well for that (conservative) audience.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
-
The difference in the workout actual total has been the Heat’s lack of a selection in the June 26 second round of the two-round draft.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Grassley cited a Government Accountability Office report issued last year that detailed deficiencies in the program’s management dating back to 2009.—
Ryan J. Foley,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
-
Studies show that patients not meeting the diagnostic criteria for testosterone deficiency are still being prescribed testosterone therapy, often based on vague symptoms.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share