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
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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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At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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Representatives of California and six other states have been negotiating long-term plans for reducing water use after 2026, when the rules expire, to deal with the ongoing shortages.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Plenty of art is a metaphor for our inability to connect with one another.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
25 May 2025
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Their bites attack the nervous system, possibly leading to seizures, the inability to walk or the inability to breathe due to respiratory paralysis or extreme swelling in the throat, Willey warned.—
Caleb Lunetta,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 May 2025
Noun
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After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
28 May 2025
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Really, much of Hart’s time at Triple-A El Paso was spent attacking his deficiencies against right-handed hitters, who were hitting .333/.386/.698 against him in the majors compared to a .100/.100/.100 line in 20 plate appearances against lefties.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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