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 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

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 sensed there was something abnormal about his sensitivity to criticism, the inadequacy of his emotional reaction to others, and his ever-present discontent about jobs and social status.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

But if Charley was aware of his deep-down inadequacy, he gave no sign.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

inadequacy

Example Sentences

Related Words