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

And here, Orsolya’s sincere if haphazard search for understanding, visible in every fiber of Tompa’s affecting central performance, cleverly lets Jude expose the insufficiency in quick fixes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The applications of no case to answer, made by the defence at the conclusion of the prosecution case, were based on insufficiency of evidence.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

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 • Dec. 30, 2025

Concerns arose again over the summer when Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, after photos appeared of the president with swollen legs and ankles.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2025

But when Arturo didn’t say anything, I felt acutely the meagerness of it, the insufficiency.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Related Words

• deficiency
• inadequacy
• paucity