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
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.
There was insufficient hot water at the hand sink and three-compartment sink, and the inspector found mouse and rat droppings in the kitchen and pantry. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025 Prosecutors who recently left the job cited high workload due to low staffing levels, insufficient pay and a lack of experienced staff to train and mentor colleagues as reasons for leaving, said county officials, citing exit interview responses. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025 However, if the department finds the funds are insufficient, other sources must be found and used. Thania Garcia, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 Goodson adds that there's also insufficient research on its safety during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for people with autoimmune diseases. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insufficient

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficient. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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