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
Constant comparison to unattainable beauty standards can lead to anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
—
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
The private lives of famous artists Indeed, in tandem with these underlying feelings of professional inadequacy is a relationship built on profound affection and admiration.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Moving up the ranks quickly can create feelings of inadequacy.
—Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
The private lives of famous artists Indeed, in tandem with these underlying feelings of professional inadequacy is a relationship built on profound affection and admiration.
—Zoe Whitfield, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Moving up the ranks quickly can create feelings of inadequacy.
—Tanya Arturi, Forbes, 18 Mar. 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 23 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share