How to pronounce inadequacy
Say it like in-AD-ih-kwuh-see. Inadequacy has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce inadequacy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- AD
- ih
- kwuh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Inadequacy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ADSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kwuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of inadequacy
American and British speakers say inadequacy in essentially the same way: /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/ in the US and /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-AD-ih-kwuh-see.
What does inadequacy mean?
- The state of being inadequate.“sense of inadequacy”
- A shortage of required material.
- A lack of competence or ability.
Where does inadequacy come from?
From inadequate + -cy or in- + adequacy.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying inadequacy
How do you pronounce inadequacy?
Say in-AD-ih-kwuh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/. In British English it is /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in inadequacy?
Inadequacy has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (AD). Broken into parts: in · AD · ih · kwuh · see.
Do Americans and Brits say inadequacy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/ and the British form is /ˌɪˈnædɪkwəsi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.