inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
Examples of inadequacy in a Sentence
the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds
tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Recent Examples on the Web
The most common motives for lying at work are fear of upsetting someone, avoiding conflict, not wanting to reveal inadequacies, or serving personal career goals.
—
Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Populations at risk for vitamin C inadequacy include:12 People who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
Individuals with limited food choices
People with certain chronic illnesses or medical conditions that decrease vitamin C absorption
7.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Rather than discussing the inadequacies, dishonesty, and plain bad art of The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, the trade press perpetuates the hubbub as a technological crisis.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025
The psychological toll of burnout can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being judged, further pushing individuals into isolation.
—Rachel Montanez, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
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Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Populations at risk for vitamin C inadequacy include:12 People who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
Individuals with limited food choices
People with certain chronic illnesses or medical conditions that decrease vitamin C absorption
7.
—Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2025
Rather than discussing the inadequacies, dishonesty, and plain bad art of The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez, the trade press perpetuates the hubbub as a technological crisis.
—Armond White, National Review, 24 Jan. 2025
The psychological toll of burnout can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and a fear of being judged, further pushing individuals into isolation.
—Rachel Montanez, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural inadequacies
1
: the quality or state of being inadequate
2
a
: an inadequate amount
b
: a failure to meet expectations
feelings of inadequacy
aware of my own inadequacies
Medical Definition
inadequacy
noun
in·ad·e·qua·cy
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural inadequacies
: the quality or state of being inadequate
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