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
There’s an inherent inadequacy of the English language to fully illustrate how great this bar is.
—
Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
Now, watching back, Fishel said those feelings of inadequacy almost ended her on-camera career moving forward.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Any nook and cranny across the building becomes a storage space — the number of issues with the current space at this point is a scroll of inadequacies, many city employees said.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
And as Shah tries to land the role, public scrutiny and feelings of inadequacy well up.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Apr. 2026
Now, watching back, Fishel said those feelings of inadequacy almost ended her on-camera career moving forward.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Any nook and cranny across the building becomes a storage space — the number of issues with the current space at this point is a scroll of inadequacies, many city employees said.
—Elliot Mann, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
And as Shah tries to land the role, public scrutiny and feelings of inadequacy well up.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
-
As the Department of Transportation faced criticism for widespread flight delays caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers amid a government shutdown in 2025, Duffy appeared at a campaign event for his son.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
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With a smorgasbord of food deals from local and national chains to choose from, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The inability to access basic necessities is their greatest concern.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The pain, the inability to sleep, causes the pain to be worse.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The lack of information drove Congress last year to pass the bill forcing the DOJ to release the Epstein files.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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Other fire survivors complained of Edison’s lack of planning and coordination with residents.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Given Luna’s physical deficiencies, the system relies on human employees to prepare the shop and interact with customers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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