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

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

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

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

I'd filed a lengthy brief that documented the insufficiency of the evidence and raised every legal deficiency in the trial that I could identify.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• deficiency
• inadequacy
• paucity