inadequacy
UK: ɪnˈædɪkwəsi | US: ɪnˈædɪkwəsi
n. the state of being insufficient or not meeting requirements
n. a lack of competence or ability
inadequacy = in<not> + adequate<sufficient> + cy<noun suffix>
- in (prefix): From Latin in-, meaning "not" or "opposite of."
- adequate (root): From Latin adaequatus, meaning "made equal" or "sufficient."
- cy (suffix): A noun-forming suffix derived from Latin -tia or Greek -kia, indicating a state or condition.
Etymology Origin:
The word inadequacy combines the negative prefix in- with adequate, which originates from the Latin adaequare ("to make equal"). The suffix -cy transforms the adjective into a noun, denoting the state of insufficiency. The term reflects a logical progression from "not equal" to "not sufficient" in both literal and figurative contexts.
His feelings of inadequacy stemmed from constant comparison to others.
The report highlighted the inadequacy of current safety measures.
She struggled with inadequacy despite her obvious talents.
Financial inadequacy forced them to abandon the project.
The team acknowledged the inadequacy of their preparation after the loss.