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

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency

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

He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, the White House said in July, after photos showed visible swelling in his legs and bruising on his right hand. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

Twenty-four years later, the shape of this new work of fiction highlights both the insufficiency of memory, of story, and their utter necessity. —Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025

Tangent Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, the White House announced in July after he was repeatedly photographed with swollen ankles, a symptom of the condition. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70. —Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insufficiency

• inefficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

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

insufficient

-ənt 

adjective

insufficient blood flow to the brain