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Adequacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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adequacy

[ˈædɪkwəsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

level of

The quality of being adequate or sufficient; the degree to which something is sufficient or suitable.

Synonyms

competence, sufficiency, suitability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adequacy

Use 'adequacy' when referring to the minimum acceptable level of something, often in official or formal contexts.

  • The adequacy of the safety measures was questioned after the incident.
  • We need to ensure the adequacy of our resources before expanding the project.
sufficiency

Use 'sufficiency' to describe having enough of something to meet needs or purposes. It is often used in more formal contexts.

  • The sufficiency of the funds will determine whether the project can continue.
  • We need to evaluate the sufficiency of the data before making a decision.
suitability

Use 'suitability' to discuss how well something matches a particular purpose or requirement. It implies a degree of appropriateness and is often used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The suitability of the venue for the event was questioned.
  • Her suitability for the role is beyond doubt.
competence

Use 'competence' when referring to the skills or abilities of a person to perform a task effectively. It often carries a positive connotation.

  • Her competence in managing the team won her a promotion.
  • The lawyer's competence was evident during the trial.

Examples of usage

  • The adequacy of the data for the study was questioned by the researchers.
  • She doubted the adequacy of his apology for the mistake.
Context #2 | Noun

mental health

The ability to think and behave in a sensible and reasonable way.

Synonyms

rationality, reasonableness, sensibility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adequacy

Used to describe something that is sufficient and meets the needs or standards required.

  • The adequacy of this plan will be evaluated by next year.
  • The project failed due to a lack of adequacy in planning.
rationality

Used when talking about logical thinking, making decisions based on reason and facts.

  • His rationality helped us avoid a major crisis.
  • In moments of panic, rationality is often the first thing to go.
sensibility

Used when discussing an acute sensitivity to emotional or aesthetic perceptions, reflecting a refined awareness and responsiveness.

  • Jane Austen's novels often explore the balance between sensibility and pragmatism.
  • His design showcases a deep sensibility to modern aesthetic trends.
reasonableness

Applies to actions or attitudes that are fair, sensible, and not extreme; often used in the context of behavior or expectations.

  • The reasonableness of her argument convinced the jury.
  • Negotiations proceeded with a sense of reasonableness on both sides.

Examples of usage

  • His mental adequacy was assessed by the psychologist.
  • She showed great mental adequacy in handling the difficult situation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of adequacy is crucial in understanding personal satisfaction and self-worth.
  • Studies show that feeling adequate in skills or resources can significantly enhance an individual's mental well-being.

Education

  • In education, ensuring adequacy in resources is vital for effective learning environments.
  • Teachers often assess adequacy to determine if students have the right amount of support to thrive.

Economics

  • Adequacy is often discussed in terms of basic needs – for example, ensuring everyone has adequate access to food and shelter.
  • Economic theories often evaluate the adequacy of resources to measure a society's well-being.

Health

  • In health care, adequacy might refer to whether patients receive enough care or medication to address their conditions.
  • Public health initiatives frequently focus on achieving adequacy in preventive measures for communities.

Origin of 'adequacy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'adequatus', meaning 'equal to' or 'sufficient'.
  • It began to be used in English around the 15th century, reflecting a growing need to assess quality and sufficiency.

The word 'adequacy' originated from the Latin word 'adequatus', which means 'made equal'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of adequacy has been discussed in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and education, highlighting the importance of sufficiency and suitability in different contexts.

See also: adequately, inadequate, inadequately.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,713 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.