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
This project explores the fragility of memory and the inadequacy of language through an interactive time-traveling experience.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Many capable, accomplished women live in the ‘not enough’ trap, wrestling daily with a nagging sense of inadequacy.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
However, research suggests that these ideals can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2025
Many capable, accomplished women live in the ‘not enough’ trap, wrestling daily with a nagging sense of inadequacy.
—Margie Warrell, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
And though the Dallas Mavericks pointed to Doncic’s defensive inadequacy as one of their reasons for moving him, the Lakers lead the NBA in defensive rating since the start of February.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
However, research suggests that these ideals can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
—Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy
Noun
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Not-so-fun fact: It’s estimated that 42 out of the 50 United States will likely experience shortages in nursing staff by 2030!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
11 Apr. 2025
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With entire flocks culled to prevent the spread of the virus, the egg supply has been strained, leading to shortages in stores and inflated costs for consumers.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And there’s a blunt, pulp poetry to Manny’s conclusion (if not a particularly sensitive one), driven to despair by an inability to live in the dissonant but very real space between one’s religious moral compass and the realities of one’s life.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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And yet, progress waits for no one—failing to adapt will lead to inefficiencies and an inability to meet evolving consumer demands, causing such banks to be left behind.—
Roman Eloshvili,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His quickness getting across the crease, his evident athleticism, more than made up for any lack of experience.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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But, sadly, because bathrooms are such high-moisture rooms with a lack of ventilation, mold is easy to grow.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to a 2023 study, 35% of adults in the US are suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, and that can lead to a number of issues (poor immune system, risk of certain cancers, and liver and kidney disease, to name just a few).—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
11 Apr. 2025
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That deficiency intensified now that Brown is heading to Jacksonville on a one-year deal, according to a team source.—
Ben Standig,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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