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
Then there's social jealousy, like if your daughter didn't get invited to a sleepover, which causes feelings of insecurity or inadequacy.
—
Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Brook failed to find his big moment in the 2023 World Cup, two T20 World Cups or the recent Champions Trophy where the Three Lions showed inadequacies in all parts of their game.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The steady stream of highly qualified international applicants has allowed the U.S. to ignore the inadequacy of the domestic doctoral pipeline.
—Moshe Y. Vardi, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
Basically, achievement boosts self-esteem temporarily, while setbacks can trigger deep feelings of inadequacy.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 11 Apr. 2025
Brook failed to find his big moment in the 2023 World Cup, two T20 World Cups or the recent Champions Trophy where the Three Lions showed inadequacies in all parts of their game.
—Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
The steady stream of highly qualified international applicants has allowed the U.S. to ignore the inadequacy of the domestic doctoral pipeline.
—Moshe Y. Vardi, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025
Basically, achievement boosts self-esteem temporarily, while setbacks can trigger deep feelings of inadequacy.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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In their open letter this spring, former weather service directors warned that severe staffing shortages at local weather service offices could lead to less accurate and detailed forecasts this summer.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
19 May 2025
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The Philadelphia air traffic control facility that handles flights at Newark is also experiencing a staffing shortage.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
19 May 2025
Noun
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Gordon filled the strike zone and never shied away from adversity, even with a total inability to miss bats.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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The family might not have chosen to terminate the pregnancy anyway, Newkirk said, but their trauma was compounded by the inability to make the decision for themselves.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
Noun
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With Bailey, the Jazz are going to have to do a lot of work, because he’s got serious flaws in his game, namely the lack of ballhandling acumen.—
The Athletic NBA Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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The result is a lack of options for extended families, working-class renters or seniors aging in place.—
Danny Villalobos,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, the expedition’s failure likely came down to a combination of factors, including dietary deficiencies, hubris and simple bad luck.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
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The absence of the 10 men, who also utilized facility deficiencies that officials have long complained about in their escape, went unnoticed for hours.—
Jack Brook,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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