insufficient

[ in-suh-fish-uhnt ]

adjective

1. not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required:

   an insufficient answer.

   Synonyms: deficient, scanty, inadequate

2. deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate:

   insufficient protection.

insufficient

/ ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt /

adjective

1. not sufficient; inadequate or deficient

Derived Forms

• ˌinsufˈficiently, adverb

Other Words From

• insuf·ficient·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of insufficient¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin insufficient-, stem of insufficiēns; equivalent to in- ³ + sufficient

Example Sentences

The current research didn't directly study health outcomes, so it's too early to say whether insufficient nutrition or excessive energy consumption is adversely impacting pregnant individuals or their babies.

From Science Daily

Some countries do provide subsidies for desalinated water; unfortunately, they can be insufficient.

From Science Daily

Moreover, some subtle lesions of the knee joint may easily be overlooked by radiologists with insufficient experience.

From Science Daily

Across the country, BaronHR became known for issuing paychecks that shortchanged wages or bounced because of insufficient funds.

From New York Times

That explained why there was a widespread feeling that help was not coming or it was insufficient, he said, adding: : "I want to apologise to those who felt that way."

From BBC

Related Words

• deficient
• faulty
• inadequate
• incomplete
• meager
• poor
• scant
• scarce
• unsatisfactory