insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficient funds

especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence

insufficient bandwidth

insufficiently adverb

Synonyms

• deficient
• inadequate
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

Examples of insufficient in a Sentence

The case was thrown out because of insufficient evidence.

there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone

Recent Examples on the Web

Rebuilding America’s strategically critical chip manufacturing capacity is insufficient; CHIPS Act grants also need to advance the administration’s child care agenda. —Lindsay Lewis, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024

Medicaid is the primary payer of long-term care services, but many stakeholders argue Medicaid reimbursement rates are insufficient to properly compensate workers. —Josh Kelety, Fortune Well, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insufficient-, insufficiens, from Latin in- + sufficient-, sufficiens sufficient

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficiently adverb