insufficient
Americanadjective
-
not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required.
an insufficient answer.
- Synonyms:
- deficient, scanty, inadequate
-
deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate.
insufficient protection.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- insufficiently adverb
Etymology
Origin of insufficient
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin insufficient-, stem of insufficiēns; equivalent to in- 3 + sufficient
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That lawsuit was dismissed in June, with Liman finding the claims legally insufficient.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
All were noted as declined for insufficient evidence.
From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026
To those showing insufficient gratitude: “Bonasera, Bonasera what have I ever done…?” In other circumstances: “My offer is this. Nothing.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
Kalshi and Polymarket announced new measures to curb insider trading risks, though some critics view them as insufficient.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Sick with jealous suspicions, Zizmo had been erratic, forgetting to schedule rendezvous, choosing drop-off points with insufficient preparation.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
