inadequacy

noun

in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
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
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.
Ingold makes homecoming to Green Bay’s Lambeau Field on Thanksgiving; QB Huntley activated Third-down inadequacy The Dolphins were 1 of 6 on third downs in the first half. Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024 Maybe when that mortar comes to live in my kitchen cupboard, my longing will outweigh my fear of inadequacy and will propel me to practice. Kristina Kasparian, Longreads, 12 Nov. 2024 Once again, we are reminded of the central thesis of The Franchise: God, who would want to work with any of these people? Certainly not Adam, whose own ever-present feelings of inadequacy are amplified with the arrival of Kyle. Jack King, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024 Trump increasingly has made his criticisms of Harris about her fundamental capacity and competence, suggesting an innate inadequacy that distinguished her from Biden. Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inadequacy 

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inadequacy was in 1787

Dictionary Entries Near inadequacy

Cite this Entry

“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequacy. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

inadequacy

noun
in·​ad·​e·​qua·​cy (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwə-sē How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
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 How to pronounce inadequacy (audio)
plural inadequacies
: the quality or state of being inadequate

More from Merriam-Webster on inadequacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!