adequacy
UK: ˈæd.ɪ.kwə.si | US: ˈæd.ə.kwə.si
n. the state or quality of being sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose
n. (law) compliance with a required standard
Derived from Latin adaequatus (made equal), combining ad- (toward) + aequus (equal). The root adequ- entered English via French adéquat, retaining the core idea of "sufficiency." The suffix -acy (from Latin -atia) forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition. The word evolved from a literal sense of "equality" to its modern meaning of "fitness for purpose."
The team questioned the adequacy of their resources for the project.
Legal adequacy requires all documents to meet strict guidelines.
Her response demonstrated the adequacy of her preparation.
The report evaluated the adequacy of emergency procedures.
Critics argued the policy lacked adequacy in addressing climate change.