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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insufficiency
Others, such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), are rare, and impact less than 1% of the US population.
—
Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Barbabella said in July the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which according to the National Institute of Health can cause skin discoloration, among other symptoms.
—Mike Stunson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Food insufficiencies dropped by 42%, and financial insufficiencies dropped by 43% in households with children.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Studies show that 50 percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from a Vitamin D insufficiency, and this time of year, the effects are even more obvious thanks to a lack of sun exposure—mood swings and fatigue set in, and general aches and pains can become worse.
—Emma Greene, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Barbabella said in July the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which according to the National Institute of Health can cause skin discoloration, among other symptoms.
—Mike Stunson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Food insufficiencies dropped by 42%, and financial insufficiencies dropped by 43% in households with children.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Studies show that 50 percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from a Vitamin D insufficiency, and this time of year, the effects are even more obvious thanks to a lack of sun exposure—mood swings and fatigue set in, and general aches and pains can become worse.
—Emma Greene, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
Noun
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In this city of 20 million people, the Delhi Water Board said last Thursday that 43 neighborhoods – home to about two million people – had been affected by water shortages.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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Critics argue the violence and staffing shortages that have long plagued Los Padrinos have spread and are now destabilizing other facilities.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
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Tua’s inability to perform against the league’s top teams is a major drawback.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There has been a lack of clarity about how long Putin had promised to observe a pause on power grid attacks.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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Cuban officials have said existing US economic sanctions are largely to blame for the country’s ailing energy sector, although critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.—
Bianna Golodryga,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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However, the creditor cannot seek a deficiency judgment if the asset sale does not fully satisfy the debt ― this is because the debt has been discharged.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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People who spend a lot of time indoors or have dark skin are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.—
Mark Stibich,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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