insufficiency

American  

[in-suh-fish-uhn-see] / ˌɪn səˈfɪʃ ən si /

Also insufficience

noun

plural

insufficiencies

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.

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insufficiency British  

/ ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. Also called: insufficience.  the state of being insufficient

2. pathol failure in the functioning of an organ, tissue, etc

   cardiac insufficiency

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Other Word Forms

• self-insufficiency noun

Etymology

Origin of insufficiency

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

Example Sentences

Ultrasounds of his veins showed that the president has “chronic venous insufficiency,” according to a memo.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shrubsole noted that vitamin D insufficiency is widely recognized as a public health concern in the United States, and many patients are advised to take supplements based on blood test results.

From Science Daily

States that agreed to it would provide voter lists to the Justice Department, which would then look for any “insufficiencies, inadequacies, deficiencies, anomalies, or concerns.”

From The Wall Street Journal

In July, the White House said that he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a vein condition that can result in swelling in the legs.

From BBC

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficiency
• inadequacy
• paucity