Which of the following describes a failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or shelter for a child?

The description of a failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or shelter for a child is accurately categorized as neglect. Neglect refers specifically to the failure of a caregiver to meet a child's basic needs, which encompasses provisions for nutrition, appropriate clothing, and safe living conditions. This type of abuse can have long-term detrimental effects on a child's physical and emotional well-being.

In contrast, emotional neglect typically pertains to failing to provide emotional support or affection, rather than physical necessities like food and shelter. Physical abuse involves causing physical harm to a child through aggressive actions, while verbal abuse focuses on the use of words to demean or humiliate a child. These differences highlight why neglect is the correct answer in this context, as it directly addresses the lack of essential care and support for a child's basic needs.