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

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

From Salon • May 7, 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

Ms Cubitt, whose role involves assessing the adequacy of services to autistic people, wants action.

From BBC • Mar. 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