insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
plural insufficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being insufficient: such as
a
: lack of mental or moral fitness : incompetence
the insufficiency of this person for public office
b
: lack of adequate supply
insufficiency of provisions
c
: lack of physical power or capacity
especially
: inability of an organ or body part to function normally
renal insufficiency
2
: something that is insufficient or falls short of expectations
Synonyms
Examples of insufficiency in a Sentence
dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket
her alleged insufficiency for the job
Recent Examples on the Web
Read More: Dietary Supplements Are No Substitute For a Healthy Lifestyle
Vitamin D Supplementation
Taking vitamin D supplements, when directed by a healthcare professional, may be a good option for addressing deficiency or insufficiency to avoid serious health problems.
—
Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023
An expert, such as a vascular surgeon, is an appropriate consultant for a person with arterial insufficiency before considering compression stockings.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 21 Aug. 2023
At 17 weeks pregnant, Amanda was diagnosed with cervical insufficiency and preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM), meaning the fetus would not survive and her life was at risk.
—Rachel Epstein, Men's Health, 23 June 2023
Outages also pose a risk to people who rely on powered equipment such as oxygen concentrators and electric wheelchairs—and excess heat places a much greater burden on those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and pulmonary insufficiency.
—WIRED, 27 June 2023
Compression garments are commonly used to treat conditions like venous insufficiency, lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis.
—Good Housekeeping, 23 Aug. 2023
Arterial disease is completely different from venous insufficiency and caused by blockages in the arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the legs.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 21 Aug. 2023
Some of the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs include:
Valvular insufficiency: This occurs when the valves in the heart do not close properly, leading to blood flowing in the wrong direction or regurgitating back into the chambers.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023
Her son had been in and out of the hospital for multiple health conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, which caused painful swelling in his legs.
—al, 7 Aug. 2023
See More
Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023
An expert, such as a vascular surgeon, is an appropriate consultant for a person with arterial insufficiency before considering compression stockings.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 21 Aug. 2023
At 17 weeks pregnant, Amanda was diagnosed with cervical insufficiency and preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM), meaning the fetus would not survive and her life was at risk.
—Rachel Epstein, Men's Health, 23 June 2023
Outages also pose a risk to people who rely on powered equipment such as oxygen concentrators and electric wheelchairs—and excess heat places a much greater burden on those with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and pulmonary insufficiency.
—WIRED, 27 June 2023
Compression garments are commonly used to treat conditions like venous insufficiency, lymphedema and deep vein thrombosis.
—Good Housekeeping, 23 Aug. 2023
Arterial disease is completely different from venous insufficiency and caused by blockages in the arteries, which carry blood from the heart to the legs.
—Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 21 Aug. 2023
Some of the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs include:
Valvular insufficiency: This occurs when the valves in the heart do not close properly, leading to blood flowing in the wrong direction or regurgitating back into the chambers.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2023
Her son had been in and out of the hospital for multiple health conditions, including chronic venous insufficiency, which caused painful swelling in his legs.
—al, 7 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insufficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near insufficiency
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficiency. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural insufficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being insufficient
2
: a lack of something : deficiency
Medical Definition
insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural insufficiencies
: the quality or state of not being sufficient: as
a
: lack of adequate supply of something
an insufficiency of vitamins
b
: lack of physical power or capacity
especially
: inability of an organ or bodily part to function normally
renal insufficiency
pulmonary insufficiency
More from Merriam-Webster on insufficiency
Nglish: Translation of insufficiency for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of insufficiency for Arabic Speakers
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