inadequacy

noun

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
Definition of inadequacynext
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

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inadequacy Connecting the Orioles’ fielding inadequacies in the majors directly to their lack of attention to defense in the minors would be a stretch; Rutschman, Henderson and Cowser all came up through their system. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 18 June 2026 This majestic sequence delivers a lifetime’s outpouring of love’s inadequacies and frustrations, of grief and regret, of gratitude along with candid acceptance of loss, and of self-questioning that never shakes the foundations of the family—her ferocious commitment to the children. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 June 2026 That number says less about the size of the problem than about the inadequacy of the old answers. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 Epidemiologists and other medical experts told the AP that the suicides in ICE custody — which previously occurred typically once or not at all each year — were cause for alarm and a sign of inadequacies in care, at a minimum. — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
  1. shortage
  2. inability
  3. lack
  4. deficiency
Noun
  • Russian forces have increased the number of missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, likely as part of a push to exploit Kyiv’s shortage of ballistic missile interceptors.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Lawmakers have also approved some measures authorizing private investment into the tourism industry, which has been devastated by the departure of hotel giants in response to US sanctions and flight cancellations due to fuel shortages.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Since the start of last offseason, the Atlanta Braves have been haunted by their inability to land a high-quality starting pitcher.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The inability to imagine a middle-class life—especially for the Subaru Socialists right on the cusp of comfort—seems to be what’s behind a slate of recent electoral victories for the Democratic Socialists of America.
    — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • As Jackson alluded to, the biggest change in practice – outside the lack of ones or sevens – was the flow.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • According to Lupo, Boise’s above-average traffic congestion, coupled with a lack of economic diversity, dragged Boise’s score down in this category.
    — Hali Smith July 30, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • Severe deficiency is uncommon, but nutrition experts say chronically low intake can signal a dietary gap worth addressing.
    — Lauren Manaker MS, Health, 31 July 2026
  • Mertens regularly monitors Tunsil’s electrolytes and checks for nutrient deficiencies through bloodwork and DEXA scans that measure his body mass and bone density.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of deficiency

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inadequacies
inadequacy
inadequate
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Cite this Entry

“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of inadequacy for Spanish Speakers

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