insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficient funds

especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence

insufficient bandwidth

insufficiently adverb

Synonyms

• deficient
• inadequate
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

Examples of insufficient in a Sentence

The case was thrown out because of insufficient evidence.

there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone

Recent Examples on the Web

Until recently, military analysts saw Hanwha as a relic, its products insufficient for 21st century warfare. —Eli Joseph, Fortune Asia, 6 June 2024

The fine for failing to file a form is $200, a figure that advocates of reforms say is insufficient to motivate full compliance. —Deirdre Walsh, NPR, 6 June 2024

It’s estimated that at least 30% of the U.S. population is vitamin D deficient, and many more are considered vitamin D insufficient (with blood vitamin D levels <30nmol/L). —Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

At times, when words seemed insufficient, Grey reached out to clasp Redmayne’s hand. —Michael Paulson Dana Scruggs, New York Times, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insufficient-, insufficiens, from Latin in- + sufficient-, sufficiens sufficient

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficiently adverb