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.

Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff on Tuesday decried the inadequacy of medical care within the state’s newest and largest immigration detention center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 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

He said the families were "extremely concerned" about an evidential picture which indicated a "series of system failings, complacency, a lack of curiosity and inadequacy".

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2025

As it was, I had to wrestle daily with both my inadequacy and my uncontrollable jealousy.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

inadequacy

Example Sentences

Related Words