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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequacy
Yet fortunes have turned more recently, with on-field inadequacies slowly but surely eating into off-field resources.
—
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
If all of this were a subtle read of the American mainstream media’s inadequacy in covering Palestine with any amount of empathy, or its eagerness to bang the drum in support of America’s war games, that would be an unexpected, refreshingly subversive perspective.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Undermining international diplomacy in these ways creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of defensiveness and inadequacy.
—David Miliband, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
One partner’s growth and clarity and the other’s sense of stagnation may evoke comparison, inadequacy or shame.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
If all of this were a subtle read of the American mainstream media’s inadequacy in covering Palestine with any amount of empathy, or its eagerness to bang the drum in support of America’s war games, that would be an unexpected, refreshingly subversive perspective.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
Undermining international diplomacy in these ways creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of defensiveness and inadequacy.
—David Miliband, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
One partner’s growth and clarity and the other’s sense of stagnation may evoke comparison, inadequacy or shame.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
-
When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Flights are being delayed and cancelled across the country because of airport staffing shortages.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
That’s another example of this team’s inability to win on the margins.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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If there's been one issue for the Jets over the past few decades, it's been their inability to find a franchise quarterback.—
Jon Conahan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Despite his lack of coaching experience at the MLB level, Vitello was named manager of the San Francisco Giants last month.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Part of the reason why there are so few of these conversations about podcasting is a general lack of criticism for narrative audio.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies.—
Daniel Hunt,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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