1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequacy
For almost ten years, successive British governments have been trying to redress the inadequacy of the Hyde Park memorial with a new, showstopping monument next to the Houses of Parliament, in Westminster.
—
Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Newcastle and Howe have found a way through their own difficulty, sticking to founding principles but willing to be pragmatic, self-powered but helped by the inadequacy of others.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Technology like the Jupiter One 30 MW hydrogen generator just might make these inefficiencies and inadequacies no longer a problem.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
His words speak to an anxious, ongoing need not just to entertain, but to distract, to overact, to keep the audience unmoored, all in an effort to hide deep and intractable feelings of inadequacy.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequacy 
Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2025
Newcastle and Howe have found a way through their own difficulty, sticking to founding principles but willing to be pragmatic, self-powered but helped by the inadequacy of others.
—Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Technology like the Jupiter One 30 MW hydrogen generator just might make these inefficiencies and inadequacies no longer a problem.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024
His words speak to an anxious, ongoing need not just to entertain, but to distract, to overact, to keep the audience unmoored, all in an effort to hide deep and intractable feelings of inadequacy.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Meanwhile, data shows that there is also a shortage of fully qualified air traffic control staff.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
-
The Trump Administration has offered a separation package to federal workers, including air traffic controllers, which could cause further staffing shortages.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With evolving attitudes toward drug policy, particularly the legalization and normalization of cannabis, businesses must acknowledge that past drug convictions do not equate to an inability to succeed professionally.—
Summer Westerbur,
Rolling Stone,
27 Jan. 2025
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The inability of Meta's META.O AI chatbot to identify the current president of the United States was elevated to urgent status by the Facebook owner this week, requiring a fast fix, a person familiar with the issue said.—
Katie Paul,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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But he will occasionally get beat by good shooters and his lack of size has been exposed at times by pros.—
Scott Wheeler,
The Athletic,
25 Jan. 2025
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After an underwhelming opening, the Disney release has shown good staying power, taking advantage of January’s lack of competition.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sanger says that iron supplements are often prescribed to those diagnosed with iron deficiency, consume little to no animal products, struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, had surgery, or been injured.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2025
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Relying solely on watermelon, which is low in fat, protein, and several other essential nutrients, may lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fatigue, to name a few.—
Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near inadequacy
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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