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
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 22 May. 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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