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
Etymology
Origin of insufficient
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Late Latin insufficient-, stem of insufficiēns; equivalent to in- 3 + sufficient
Explanation
If something is insufficient, it isn't enough. A high school diploma is very helpful for getting a job, but by itself, it's probably insufficient to land you a job as an astronaut. Something adequate is sufficient, and something inadequate is insufficient (in- meaning "not"). If you have $100 in the bank and you try to use a debit card for a $102 purchase, even though you’re close to having enough, your funds are insufficient to cover the sale. Anything that falls short of a required amount or expected measure is insufficient, whether it's the amount of air in a bike tire or the votes needed to win an election.
Vocabulary lists containing insufficient
Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)
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Bridge to Terabithia
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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.
The real career killer for most mothers in the U.S. is insufficient access to high-quality, affordable childcare.
From Salon • May 10, 2026
The 66-year-old appeared before Lisburn Magistrates' Court on 2 May when his defence solicitor argued that there was insufficient evidence at this time to link him to most of the charges.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
The firm estimates demand losses of about 1.6 million barrels a day—significant, but insufficient to offset the current supply shortfall.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
Eleven establishments were closed from April 16 to 23, nine for rodent or cockroach infestations, one for insufficient hot water and one for unapproved remodeling.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
As yet insufficient time has elapsed to reveal the full effect of the new chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides and of the modern herbicides.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
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.
