adequacy

American  

[ad-i-kwuh-see] / ˈæd ɪ kwə si /

noun

adequacies plural

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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preadequacy
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• adequacies
  plural

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

They’re getting greatness where they once prayed for adequacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Maxxing, for the most part, fails to satisfy three of those principles — adequacy, balance and diversity.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

Previously, the EA said the summer schemes would not go ahead due to "concerns about the adequacy of health care provision for vulnerable participating children".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

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

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