inadequacy

American  

[in-ad-i-kwuh-see] / ɪnˈæd ɪ kwə si /

noun

plural

inadequacies

1. Also inadequateness the state or condition of being inadequate; insufficiency.

2. something inadequate; defect.

   The plan has many inadequacies.

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Etymology

Origin of inadequacy

First recorded in 1780–90; inadequ(ate) + -acy

Explanation

An inadequacy is something that is not enough. If you get a bad grade, it may reveal an inadequacy in your approach to studying. The syllable qua in inadequacy rhymes with duh, and the accent is on the second syllable: "in-AD-uh-quh-see." You know that in- means "not," and the suffix y means "the quality or state of." But what is that middle part? Adaequare is the Latin word for "to make equal." So, inadequacy is the state of not being equal — or enough — for something.

Example Sentences

Inadequacy for dealing with private companies is one problem.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2025

Inadequacy of information, not unsatisfactory weather, is often the reason for postponed flights.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Hague, April 12th, 1777,310 Inadequacy of the allowance hitherto made him.

From The Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution, Vol. IX by Sparks, Jared

Inadequacy of expression is merely a minor part of the great tragedy of humanity.

From The Secret Glory by Machen, Arthur

Says Whitman in a very interesting article on the "Inadequacy of the Cell-Theory": "That organization precedes cell-formation and regulates it, rather than the reverse, is a conclusion that forces itself upon us from many sides."

From The Whence and the Whither of Man A Brief History of His Origin and Development through Conformity to Environment; Being the Morse Lectures of 1895 by Tyler, John Mason

Related Words

• dearth
• deficiency
• failing
• flaw
• imperfection
• incapacity
• ineffectiveness
• inefficiency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• paucity
• shortcoming
• weakness