adequacy

American  

[ad-i-kwuh-see] / ˈæd ɪ kwə si /

noun

plural

adequacies

1. the state or quality of being adequate; sufficiency for a particular purpose.

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Other Word Forms

• preadequacy noun

Etymology

Origin of adequacy

First recorded in 1800–10; adequ(ate) + -acy

Explanation

Adequacy is the state of being sufficient for the purpose concerned. The meaning doesn't suggest abundance or excellence, or even more than what is absolutely necessary. Adequacy is simply the state of sufficiency. There is a current of equality running through the noun adequacy. The Latin word from which it is derived is adaequāre, "to make something equal to something else." The English word made its appearance in the early 1800s as a derivative of the adjective adequate. Adequacy means being equal to the requirements of the situation — no more, no less. Theater critic Walter Kerr once wrote this scathing review of an actor: "He has delusions of adequacy."

Example Sentences

Plant-based diets can still be healthy choices, but they may require careful planning and, in some cases, supplementation to ensure nutritional adequacy, particularly in later life.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

It intends to use the proceeds to meet future capital requirements, including onward lending and regulatory compliance on capital adequacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

Fourth, adequacy: Yes, the plaintiffs and their lawyers can represent this class fairly.

From Slate • Jul. 11, 2025

The storm “highlighted a tipping point and demonstrated how close the region is to a resource adequacy crisis,” the Western Power Pool, a regionwide organization of utilities, wrote in its assessment of the event.

From Salon • May 14, 2025

We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• competence
• fairness
• sufficiency