INADEQUACY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

inadequacy

noun

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwə-sē

Definition of inadequacy

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number the inadequacy of our servings was soon apparent, as hungry guests started clamoring for seconds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means tried to blame others in order to hide the inadequacy of his leadership

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of inadequacy Managers should view anxiety as evidence of investment, not inadequacy. — David H. Rosmarin, Time, 30 July 2026 At the center of the narrative is the theme of parenthood, explored through the eyes of someone who chooses to give it up out of sheer fear and inadequacy. — Ed Meza, Variety, 23 July 2026 The Canadian catastrophe highlighted the inadequacies of the current system of supply and the lack of American credit. — Sarah M.s. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 The West Indies made 125-7 and the inadequacy of that total was exposed by Australia hunting it down with seven overs to spare. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequacy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequacy

Noun

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortage

Noun

Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.

— Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.

— Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

inadequacies

inadequacy

inadequate

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“Inadequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequacy. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of inadequacy

noun

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