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 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
Skepticism about Shakespeare having actually written the plays attributed to him has persisted for more than a century, originated by lack of documentation and inadequacies in the historical record and perpetuated by cultural fascination.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
The Lamont administration invited to the signing ceremony Hammersley and others who have been critical of Connecticut’s longstanding inadequacies in education funding, which have been the subject of litigation over decades, as well as the current governor’s fiscal moderation.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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
Skepticism about Shakespeare having actually written the plays attributed to him has persisted for more than a century, originated by lack of documentation and inadequacies in the historical record and perpetuated by cultural fascination.
—Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Apr. 2026
The Lamont administration invited to the signing ceremony Hammersley and others who have been critical of Connecticut’s longstanding inadequacies in education funding, which have been the subject of litigation over decades, as well as the current governor’s fiscal moderation.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Tony & Tara Eiguren The great potato capital has no shortage of great Basque food either, thanks to a hearty diaspora and community members like Tony and Tara Eiguren.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Beyond the direct threat posed by drones, Russians are facing growing fuel shortages as Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries limit supply.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
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Among the reasons why Southern California was seen as vulnerable, the report said in 2008, was a loss of water due to quake damage and the resulting inability of firefighters to extinguish blazes.—
Shelby Grad,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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Joseph also criticized the inability of lawmakers to work across the aisle to pass legislation that would help residents rather than focusing on the priorities of special interests.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Silva said the single most alarming aspect of the report was the lack of information available to emergency responders.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
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The Mexican team’s lack of elite club experience, however, is obvious and could be a problem.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Swollen hands or feet can indicate severe protein deficiency.—
Jonathan Lambert,
NPR,
13 June 2026
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Fertilize peonies in early spring and fall if growth is poor or soil tests show nutrient deficiencies.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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