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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Despite more than $100 million in federal investment, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority continues to struggle with aging generators, equipment shortages and years of deferred maintenance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
In a time of a workforce shortage, Mainstay is not replacing people with tech.—
Megan Shinn,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Noun
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While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and poor conditions at the Men’s Central Jail.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
Noun
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But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
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From a defensive standpoint, each element would be a plus-defender with the exception of Powell, which should make this lineup much easier to mask the deficiencies of a negative-defender, such as the ones with Herro.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
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Research suggests that some nutrient deficiencies are more common in people with diabetes.—
Brianna Tobritzhofer,
Health,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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