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".
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
Chip Moore, the third candidate in the race, is running on a platform of affordable housing and police accountability — laudable goals — but makes no mention of the city budget and avoided directly answering questions about the adequacy of police staffing.
—
East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024
Over time, these cuts would amplify, resulting in diminishing adequacy of SNAP benefits.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 15 May 2024
Tribal leaders also raised issues regarding the adequacy of the previous environmental impact statement, now nearly 40 years old, and the potential for contamination of areas historically occupied by the Havasupai.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
The district claims the bond is for student safety, but many question its adequacy.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adequacy 
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East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 31 Oct. 2024
Over time, these cuts would amplify, resulting in diminishing adequacy of SNAP benefits.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 15 May 2024
Tribal leaders also raised issues regarding the adequacy of the previous environmental impact statement, now nearly 40 years old, and the potential for contamination of areas historically occupied by the Havasupai.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
The district claims the bond is for student safety, but many question its adequacy.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adequacy
Dictionary Entries Near adequacy
Cite this Entry
“Adequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adequacy. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
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