insufficient
Americanadjective
-
not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required.
an insufficient answer.
- Synonyms:
- deficient, scanty, inadequate
-
deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate.
insufficient protection.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- insufficiently adverb
Etymology
Origin of insufficient
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin insufficient-, stem of insufficiēns; equivalent to in- 3 + sufficient
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Communications Workers of America, a union representing many telecom employees, called the FCC’s proposal insufficient.
Tate's lawyer, Andrew Ford, said: "The CPS decided in 2019 and again in 2025 to take no further action in relation to this case as there was insufficient evidence to charge."
From BBC
"Current infrastructure remains insufficient to meet both policy ambitions and demographic momentum," Anarock said in a recent report, adding that $100bn will be required to create these academic facilities.
From BBC
Investors fear so-called hyperscalers will have to issue debt to support these endeavors in the face of insufficient free cash flow.
From Barron's
For years, Cleveland's Museum of Art had dragged its feet, claiming there was insufficient evidence to prove where it came from, Boz said.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
