adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈa-di-kwə-sē 

plural adequacies

: the quality or state of being adequate

Did you know?

When we question the adequacy of health-care coverage, or parking facilities, or school funding, we're asking if they are equal to our need. The adjective adequate means "enough" or "acceptable"—though in sentences like "His performance was adequate", it really means "no better than acceptable".

Synonyms

• acceptability
• satisfactoriness
• sufficiency

Examples of adequacy in a Sentence

the fire department sent someone to determine the adequacy of the building's evacuation plan

Recent Examples on the Web

The average adequacy level in underfunded districts has climbed from 67% to 77%. —Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

The filing also highlights the company's capital adequacy, with CSB Bancorp and its subsidiary bank meeting or exceeding all regulatory capital requirements. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2025

Hegseth, through his attorney, has denied the allegations, but Reed has questioned the adequacy of the FBI's background investigation into Hegseth. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

Their ratings consider factors such as capital adequacy, liquidity, and operational risks. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

adequ(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1701, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for adequacy

• inadequacy

Kids Definition

adequacy

noun

ad·​e·​qua·​cy ˈad-i-kwə-sē 

plural adequacies

: the quality or state of being adequate