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.

---

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

---

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

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

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

Nowadays, people with adrenal insufficiency have mostly normal lifespans.

From Slate • Sep. 9, 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