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
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
The inadequacy of that shipping rate continues to have daily real-world consequences.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
The reality is that Kenya, like many other African countries, isn’t capable of taking full advantage of economic opportunities presented by the boom in AI and data centers due to the inadequacy of basic underlying infrastructure.
—
Martin K.n Siele,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Joseph Konig,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
Payton never has feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
The inadequacy of that shipping rate continues to have daily real-world consequences.
—
Jeremy Hsu,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
The reality is that Kenya, like many other African countries, isn’t capable of taking full advantage of economic opportunities presented by the boom in AI and data centers due to the inadequacy of basic underlying infrastructure.
—
Martin K.n Siele,
semafor.com,
6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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The divergence is over whether the worker shortage is improving slowly or still getting worse, and what the Supreme Court should do about it.
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Lights had been switched off to conserve electricity amid fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since the beginning of the year.
Noun
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This move follows a successful loan spell at Monaco and his inability to impress new coach Hansi Flick.
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The ripple effect of food insecurity around the world from Ukraine’s inability to ship its normally massive grain crops.
Noun
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Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation.
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The lack of a World Cup title is the one gap on his historic résumé.
Noun
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The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies.
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Interveinal chlorosis and yellowing in new leaves can indicate an iron deficiency.
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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