insufficiency

American  

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

Also insufficience

noun

insufficiencies plural

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

"Ultimately, we need to invest in more research about the underlying biology of B12 insufficiency, since it may be a preventable cause of cognitive decline."

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

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

Pictures of bruises on Trump’s hands began circulating in February, and his diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency was made public over the summer after pictures of Trump with swollen ankles appeared.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2025

In July, the White House said Trump was diagnosed with a chronic but benign vein condition -- chronic venous insufficiency -- following speculation about his bruised hand and swollen legs.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 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