adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈa-di-kwə-sē 
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
Did you know?
When we question the adequacy of health-care coverage, or parking facilities, or school funding, we're asking if they are equal to our need. The adjective adequate means "enough" or "acceptable"—though in sentences like "His performance was adequate", it really means "no better than acceptable".
Examples of adequacy in a Sentence
the fire department sent someone to determine the adequacy of the building's evacuation plan
Recent Examples on the Web
Tribal leaders also raised issues regarding the adequacy of the previous environmental impact statement, now nearly 40 years old, and the potential for contamination of areas historically occupied by the Havasupai.
—
Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
The district claims the bond is for student safety, but many question its adequacy.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
Conducted in partnership with the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, the study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of existing management regulations.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Right now, however, the deck is seemingly already stacked against the Giants’ efforts at consistency and adequacy on the O-line.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for adequacy 
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.
Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
The district claims the bond is for student safety, but many question its adequacy.
—Madeleine Parrish, The Arizona Republic, 8 Oct. 2024
Conducted in partnership with the South Australian Department for Environment and Water, the study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of existing management regulations.
—Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Right now, however, the deck is seemingly already stacked against the Giants’ efforts at consistency and adequacy on the O-line.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 29 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for adequacy
Dictionary Entries Near adequacy
Cite this Entry
“Adequacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adequacy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share