Which condition characterizes the inability to perspire adequately?

The condition characterized by the inability to perspire adequately is anhidrosis. This condition can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature, which primarily relies on sweating as a cooling mechanism. When someone suffers from anhidrosis, they may experience overheating, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, especially in warmer environments.

Hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, refers to excessive sweating, which is the opposite of anhidrosis; dehydration is a reduction of water in the body rather than a specific issue with sweat gland function; dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin rather than the ability to sweat. Understanding these distinctions helps to clarify why anhidrosis is the condition in question, as it specifically defines a lack of perspiration ability.