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.

She dissects those feelings of inadequacy with pitch-black humour on In My Room.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Unsurprisingly, the Bazar incurred huge losses—due to “overstaffing, failure of management, inadequacy of working capital, and a lack of competitive approach on the part of the management,” a government report concluded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 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

While Rocky moved away and thrived, Roman withered in inadequacy feeling abandoned.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 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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