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
The supporting cast, which includes such legends as Saleh Bakri and Hiam Abbass, is tremendous, but in a way their presence highlights Yusuf’s inadequacy as a protagonist.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
When asked about network inadequacy claims from parents, Florida Blue said as of March 1, specialized pediatric care provided by Nicklaus Children’s Health System doctors in Broward County, including those newly affiliated with Broward Health, will be considered in network.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
United’s second-half changes saw several of the squad’s technical inadequacies bubble back to the surface.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Students and their families are a vital part of the equation and have their own direct experience with education funding adequacy or inadequacy.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
When asked about network inadequacy claims from parents, Florida Blue said as of March 1, specialized pediatric care provided by Nicklaus Children’s Health System doctors in Broward County, including those newly affiliated with Broward Health, will be considered in network.
—Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
United’s second-half changes saw several of the squad’s technical inadequacies bubble back to the surface.
—Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Students and their families are a vital part of the equation and have their own direct experience with education funding adequacy or inadequacy.
—Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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In response, the Fashion Institute of Technology has partnered with Nordstrom to create a training program aimed at addressing the shortage.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Reuse was essential because in many contemporary cities, and especially across China, water shortages could be as much of a problem as flooding.—
Eric Klinenberg,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For more than 50 years, mental health literature has taught professionals about narcissistic behavior, with its grandiosity, exaggerated need for praise, inability to admit error, and turning setbacks into personal grievances.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The first season is stubbornly serialized, despite its inability to maintain logic from scene to scene, let alone episode to episode.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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That is likely because of over-breeding and a lack of education over the breed’s health issues, Starzyk said.—
Amanda Rosa
April 9,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Isolated by its beautiful, rugged mountains, West Virginia sits entirely within Appalachia and has long been listed at the bottom of a laundry list of failings, including poor health and a lack of education.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This phase is designed to address deficiencies identified during initial operations, complete technical refinements, and implement maintenance or system adjustments before the platform transitions into a regular deployment cycle.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Apr. 2026
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At Pebble Creek at Lake Mary, 85 apartment units were condemned due to life-threatening deficiencies, and at the Rialto Apartments near Sand Lake Road, nearly 400 residents were evacuated due to structural instability.—
Keegan A. Berry,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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