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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequacy
Ask for Help Struggling as a mom can be shame-inducing and produce feelings of inadequacy.
—
Jazmine Denise Thompson, Essence, 22 Jan. 2025
In his post, the OP recounted how growing up alongside his high-achieving sibling had led to feelings of inadequacy.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
However, there are unintended consequences of that path that will surely expose some of the inadequacies of the current international signing system.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Persistently monitoring employees suggests a deficit of confidence and independence in their roles, conveying that the employees’ performance is subpar and cultivating a sense of inadequacy.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Jazmine Denise Thompson, Essence, 22 Jan. 2025
In his post, the OP recounted how growing up alongside his high-achieving sibling had led to feelings of inadequacy.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
However, there are unintended consequences of that path that will surely expose some of the inadequacies of the current international signing system.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Persistently monitoring employees suggests a deficit of confidence and independence in their roles, conveying that the employees’ performance is subpar and cultivating a sense of inadequacy.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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In 2024, China experienced a complex situation with AI chips: overcapacity in some areas, while simultaneously facing shortages in high-quality compute needed for advanced AI development.—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
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Some states are reviving older methods of capital punishment due to drug shortages, even as other states reconsider them entirely.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Your inability to establish a rational, functional and legal system of immigration is an abject failure on your part.—
Peter Cunningham,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
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Is your partner’s inability to live up to their words eroding your love?—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That was quite the head scratcher given the extended absences of Lynch and Flair as well as the general lack of top women’s singles stars on both Raw and SmackDown.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
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Rubin: There was a surprising lack of campiness to this whole thing.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Iodine deficiency can be serious, but is eminently treatable.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
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However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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