insufficiency

noun

in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Trump 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. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 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 Others suggested that it could be related to Trump's recent July diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, after he was spotted with apparently swollen ankles. Rachel Raposas, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insufficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insufficiency was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficiency. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

insufficiency

noun
in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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 How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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 adjective
insufficient blood flow to the brain

More from Merriam-Webster on insufficiency

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