Synonyms

inadequacy

American

[in-ad-i-kwuh-see] / ɪnˈæd ɪ kwə si /

noun

plural

inadequacies

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

The plan has many inadequacies.

Etymology

Origin of inadequacy

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

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.

He said in those early years he was often overcompensating for his own feelings of inadequacy as the son of a single mom who struggled to pay the rent.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 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

Promoting RRM may reinforce the sense of shame or inadequacy experienced by women who are unable to conceive.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2025

In court filings, they criticised the "total inadequacy" of the MoD's disclosure, calling it an "an obvious failure to comply with the duty of candour and to provide necessary explanation" of the process.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2025

Guilt and feelings of inadequacy could consume him.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023