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
Recent reports about plan members not being able to find a provider in network and healthcare systems refusing to contract with Advantage plans have raised concerns about the adequacy of plan networks.
—
Diane Omdahl, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Why Having an Emergency Fund Is Non-Negotiable According to Bankrate’s 2024 Annual Emergency Savings Report, 59 percent of American adults are uncomfortable about the adequacy of their emergency savings.
—Nia Bowers, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024
The briefings have fueled frustration, with some lawmakers questioning the transparency and adequacy of the information provided.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
However, concerns linger regarding the adequacy of Avis's data protection practices and the oversight of its cybersecurity protocols.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for adequacy 
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Diane Omdahl, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Why Having an Emergency Fund Is Non-Negotiable According to Bankrate’s 2024 Annual Emergency Savings Report, 59 percent of American adults are uncomfortable about the adequacy of their emergency savings.
—Nia Bowers, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024
The briefings have fueled frustration, with some lawmakers questioning the transparency and adequacy of the information provided.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
However, concerns linger regarding the adequacy of Avis's data protection practices and the oversight of its cybersecurity protocols.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 14 Sep. 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 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
adequacy
noun
ad·e·qua·cy
ˈad-i-kwə-sē
plural adequacies
: the quality or state of being adequate
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