insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce insufficient (audio)
: not sufficient : inadequate
insufficient funds
especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence
insufficient bandwidth
insufficiently adverb

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 And others also, Ramaswamy, Vivek Ramaswamy saying President Biden's ritual condemnation of political violence are insufficient. ABC News, 14 July 2024 Disaster funds have been dusted off in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, alongside public appeals for cash donations to restore services, but support will be insufficient, and governments will have to take on yet more debt for rebuilding. Courtney Lindsay, WIRED, 13 July 2024 When home remedies are insufficient, medications may be necessary to manage symptoms: Analgesics: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) can temporarily relieve pain. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 13 July 2024 Captain Zach Johnson received criticism for several reasons, including his six captain’s picks (who combined to go 4-12-4), his pairing decisions and what was perceived as lax preparation and insufficient motivation for the event. Matt Bonesteel, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for insufficient 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insufficient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of insufficient was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near insufficient

Cite this Entry

“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficient. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

insufficient

adjective
in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce insufficient (audio)
: not sufficient : inadequate
insufficiently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insufficient

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