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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequacy
Seeking punishment for a pre-existing (probably Oedipal) feeling of shame and inadequacy, some of the incarcerated seek a reality that fits their self-identity.
—
Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
That's just there to mask the inadequacy.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Debates surrounding its future intensified in the 2000s, as DFW’s ballooning population laid bare the long-term inadequacies of its water reserves.
—Eleanor Dearman
updated August 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
As sheriff of Baltimore City, I am compelled to raise the alarm on court security funding inadequacies.
—Sam Cogen, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2025
That's just there to mask the inadequacy.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Debates surrounding its future intensified in the 2000s, as DFW’s ballooning population laid bare the long-term inadequacies of its water reserves.
—Eleanor Dearman
updated August 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
As sheriff of Baltimore City, I am compelled to raise the alarm on court security funding inadequacies.
—Sam Cogen, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Israel has limited aid to Gaza throughout the conflict, leading to desperate shortages of food and medicine.—
Greg Myre,
NPR,
9 Oct. 2025
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The unrest on the island nation, triggered by power cuts and water shortages, has grown to reflect wider public anger over inequality, a cost-of-living crisis, and unemployment.—
Preeti Jha,
semafor.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Irankunda’s goal was the result of Niko Sigur’s carelessness with the ball in Canada’s own half, and Luc de Fougerolles’ inability to clear the ball as well.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Announcement of the school’s closing in 2014 was prompted by its inability to make payroll.—
Jan Goldsmith,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Some customers complained about the lack of human support, prompting Klarna to rethink part of its AI-first hiring strategy.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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One commenter offers some perspective, agreeing that the brother-in-law’s hurt about the lack of invitation is understandable, but the issue of the date feels less significant.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Sprinkle in Minerals Don't just toss in minerals at random, says Damrosch—only use when recommended by your soil test to correct deficiencies that have been identified.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2025
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For that reason, the vast majority of companies now employ human reviews and stand-alone testing tools or services to address generative AI’s deficiencies.—
Philipp Eisenhauer,
Harvard Business Review,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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