insufficiency

Also in·suf·fi·cience

[in-suh-fish-uhn-see]

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.

insufficiency

/ ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

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

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

   cardiac insufficiency

Other Word Forms

• self-insufficiency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insufficiency¹

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

Example Sentences

In some cases, chronic venous insufficiency can also cause painful cramps, spasms and leg ulcers.

Read more on BBC

Blood tests also showed he had "initial, mild, renal insufficiency" - a kidney problem - that is "currently under control", the statement said.

Read more on BBC

Dowden had to pull out of this year's 20th anniversary series after suffering an "insufficiency stress fracture" on her shin two weeks ago.

Read more on BBC

On Wednesday, she told Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two that she has a "insufficiency stress fracture, if I've said that right, on my shin".

Read more on BBC

Apes are also threatened by the insufficiency of human efforts to protect them.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• deficiency 
• inadequacy 
• paucity