inadequacy

noun

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
Definition of inadequacynext
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

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 That number says less about the size of the problem than about the inadequacy of the old answers. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 That’s a feeling of inadequacy that not only infests Ruben’s mind, but Niall’s as well. — Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026 Epidemiologists and other medical experts told the AP that the suicides in ICE custody — which previously occurred typically once or not at all each year — were cause for alarm and a sign of inadequacies in care, at a minimum. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026 Payton never has feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
  1. shortage
  2. inability
  3. lack
  4. deficiency
Noun
  • Russia has launched several large-scale attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks as Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot air defense missiles, which are its most effective means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026
  • Moscow seeks to capitalize on this shortage with ballistic missile strikes in early July killing dozens of Ukrainian civilians including children, and wounding hundreds more.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Yet despite the faction’s inability to win in purple or red districts, democratic socialists enjoy a net favorability of 17 points among Democratic voters nationwide, compared with just 4 points for Democratic members of Congress.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026
  • That's big news, as one of McCray's biggest problems has been his inability to match up physically against some of the tackles in the SEC.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • The studies, and lack of follow-through, raise the issue about what could have averted the still-climbing death toll, and what steps need to be taken to prepare for an inevitable next earthquake.
    — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
  • People on social media reacted to the Observer’s report with outrage at CMPD’s lack of transparency and disbelief in their conclusion, as well as gratitude to the Observer for digging into the subject.
    — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • This initiative aims to identify and voluntarily treat testosterone deficiencies, which naturally occur as levels decline after age 30.
    — Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Regarding testosterone supplementation specifically, the interest of some patients has at times outpaced our scientific and medical understanding of testosterone deficiency and its management.
    — Alexander P. Cole, STAT, 18 July 2026
Definition of deficiency

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Cite this Entry

“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of inadequacy for Spanish Speakers

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