inadequacy

[in-ad-i-kwuh-see] / ɪnˈæd ɪ kwə si /

NOUN

shortage, defect, inability

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dearth deficiency failing flaw imperfection incapacity ineffectiveness inefficiency ineptitude insufficiency paucity shortcoming weakness

STRONG

blemish defalcation defectiveness deficit drawback faultiness inadequateness inaptness incompetence incompetency incompleteness ineffectualness inefficacy lack meagerness poverty scantiness unfitness unsuitableness

WEAK

skimpiness underage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abundance advantage perfection plenty strength strong point sufficiency

STRONG

enough excess extra

WEAK

ability adequacy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. O’Connor’s involving novel, which continues into the 1970s, is about the inadequacy of the psychoanalytic practice to confront the collective psychosis of 20th-century history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Lidl was not able to pass the inadequacy test for a standard off-licence.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The nine-page text addresses the main flashpoints in Belem: trade measures, demands for greater finance for poorer nations, and the inadequacy of national carbon-cutting pledges.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

Everybody in Cam’s platoon has something to prove or an internalized inadequacy to overcome, which is what drew him to boot camp, too.

From Salon • Oct. 10, 2025

By this gesture he assumed full responsibility, but at that moment, she hated him for the inadequacy of the response.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Vocabulary lists containing inadequacy

Novel Study: Freedom Walkers

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Ellsworth Kelly (1923-2015) Tribute List

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Vocabulary Review, Unit 1

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