1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
her alleged insufficiency for the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency, meanwhile, occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough of the hormone cortisol, which helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure and immune function.
—
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
Before games, a sense of insufficiency flooded the 12-year-old.
—Gail Cornwall, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 2026
Before games, a sense of insufficiency flooded the 12-year-old.
—Gail Cornwall, Time, 3 Apr. 2026
Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
Noun
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Tony & Tara Eiguren The great potato capital has no shortage of great Basque food either, thanks to a hearty diaspora and community members like Tony and Tara Eiguren.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Beyond the direct threat posed by drones, Russians are facing growing fuel shortages as Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries limit supply.—
Zahra Ullah,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
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While there are some drawbacks compared to traditional investments — such as its inability to earn dividends — there are several ways to add gold to your portfolio.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
Issues discussed by the candidates ranged from an inability to hire and retain deputies, department morale and poor conditions at the Men’s Central Jail.—
Steve Scauzillo,
Daily News,
4 June 2026
Noun
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But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Noun
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From a defensive standpoint, each element would be a plus-defender with the exception of Powell, which should make this lineup much easier to mask the deficiencies of a negative-defender, such as the ones with Herro.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
6 June 2026
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Research suggests that some nutrient deficiencies are more common in people with diabetes.—
Brianna Tobritzhofer,
Health,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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