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 offense flashed some real moments of competency, but also some real rookie-mistake inadequacies.
—
Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Dec. 2025
Analysts fear that last week’s abductions and the response through school closures underscore serious inadequacies in the strength of the Nigerian state and its anti-terrorism ambition and approach.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Just as the agonies and inadequacies of the meal itself are necessary steps toward the glorious leftovers to come, to me the bird is simply a prerequisite for its bones.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
The county said construction for the park would not take place within 200 feet of roosting sites for the bat, but provided no evidence to support that as a proper buffer, adding another inadequacy to the environmental review, Bacal said.
—Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Nick Suss, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Dec. 2025
Analysts fear that last week’s abductions and the response through school closures underscore serious inadequacies in the strength of the Nigerian state and its anti-terrorism ambition and approach.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Nov. 2025
Just as the agonies and inadequacies of the meal itself are necessary steps toward the glorious leftovers to come, to me the bird is simply a prerequisite for its bones.
—Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
The county said construction for the park would not take place within 200 feet of roosting sites for the bat, but provided no evidence to support that as a proper buffer, adding another inadequacy to the environmental review, Bacal said.
—Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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 11 Jan. 2026.
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