Definitions

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.

Ms. Majok captures the sardonic tone of the book as it depicts the inadequacy and vagueness endemic to treatment of psychological problems at the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Secondly, the supermarket must pass the "inadequacy" test in which it has to show the number of existing licensed premises in an area is inadequate to meet the needs of the public.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Sens. Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff decried the inadequacy of medical care, low staffing and reports of moldy food and foul drinking water.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 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

For Galton, the inadequacy may have felt particularly galling because he too had been meant to become a giant.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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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