insufficiency

[ in-suh-fish-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural in·suf·fi·cien·cies

1. deficiency in amount, force, power, competence, or fitness; inadequacy:

   insufficiency of supplies.

2. an instance of this.
3. inability of an organ or other part of the body to function normally:

   cardiac insufficiency.

insufficiency

/ ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. Also calledinsufficience the state of being insufficient
2. pathol failure in the functioning of an organ, tissue, etc

   cardiac insufficiency

Other Words From

• self-insuf·ficien·cy noun plural selfinsufficiencies

Word History and Origins

Origin of insufficiency¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word insufficientia. See insufficient, -ency

Example Sentences

Dowden had to pull out of this year's 20th anniversary series after suffering an "insufficiency stress fracture" on her shin two weeks ago.

From BBC

On Wednesday, she told Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two that she has a "insufficiency stress fracture, if I've said that right, on my shin".

From BBC

"This finding is important because it offers a less invasive and possibly safer option for the removal of pancreatic tumors, potentially reducing complications and improving patient recovery. Additionally, the technique may lead to less incidence of diabetes and pancreatic insufficiency due to preservation of most of the pancreas tissue," explains corresponding author Eduardo Vega, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

From Science Daily

What is primary ovarian insufficiency?

From New York Times

In some cases the ovaries may intermittently “wake up” and ovulate, meaning that some women with primary ovarian insufficiency may still get pregnant.

From New York Times

Related Words

• deficiency
• inadequacy
• paucity