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
Constant comparison to unattainable beauty standards can lead to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
The private lives of famous artists Indeed, in tandem with these underlying feelings of professional inadequacy is a relationship built on profound affection and admiration.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Moving up the ranks quickly can create feelings of inadequacy.
—Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
The private lives of famous artists Indeed, in tandem with these underlying feelings of professional inadequacy is a relationship built on profound affection and admiration.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Moving up the ranks quickly can create feelings of inadequacy.
—Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Earlier this month, analysts at BTIG said tariffs could make dining operators like Texas Roadhouse vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and product shortages.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2025
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What these Deals Tell Us About Investor Demand The first quarter transactions in Brooklyn and Manhattan signal robust investor confidence in free market multifamily, driven by the appeal of assets with minimal regulatory constraints and the city's persistent housing shortage.—
Shimon Shkury,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And yet, progress waits for no one—failing to adapt will lead to inefficiencies and an inability to meet evolving consumer demands, causing such banks to be left behind.—
Roman Eloshvili,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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And there’s a blunt, pulp poetry to Manny’s conclusion (if not a particularly sensitive one), driven to despair by an inability to live in the dissonant but very real space between one’s religious moral compass and the realities of one’s life.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The lack of border security created real problems for Americans, including crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Thousands of people become trapped in their homes, buildings, and businesses, further isolated by the lack of communication.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
1 May 2025
Noun
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However, there are differences in risk factors and potential vitamin deficiencies.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
25 Apr. 2025
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Sleep deficiency can increase the risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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