inadequacy

noun

in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē 

plural inadequacies

1

: the quality or state of being inadequate

2

: insufficiency, deficiency

Synonyms

• crunch
• dearth
• deficiency
• deficit
• drought
• drouth
• failure
• famine
• inadequateness
• insufficiency
• lack
• lacuna
• paucity
• pinch
• poverty
• scantiness
• scarceness
• scarcity
• shortage
• undersupply
• want

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

Comparisons can creep in, amplifying feelings of sadness or inadequacy, while reminders of your own past, such as photos or posts with your ex, may resurface unexpectedly and hinder your recovery. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Scholars have long pointed to the inadequacies of disability services. —Catherine Tan, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024

Adjusting expectations about what the holidays should look like can reduce feelings of inadequacy. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

Feelings of stress and inadequacy can affect relationships and lead to depression in males at birth with infertility. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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