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
The White House this summer said the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults.
—
Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
People with medical conditions that affect the small intestine or pancreas, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cystic fibrosis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Dec. 2025
The White House eventually shared a statement from his doctor that said Trump had a chronic venous insufficiency, when someone’s leg veins have a difficult time pumping blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2025
He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that is common in older adults, in July.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
People with medical conditions that affect the small intestine or pancreas, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cystic fibrosis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Dec. 2025
The White House eventually shared a statement from his doctor that said Trump had a chronic venous insufficiency, when someone’s leg veins have a difficult time pumping blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2025
He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that is common in older adults, in July.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In 1949, a grand jury convened to discuss the inability of the LAPD’s homicide unit to solve murders, during which Short’s death was further investigated.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
15 Jan. 2026
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Sensabaugh sensation One direct byproduct of the Bulls’ inability to defend the point of attack is the possibility in any game for a relatively unknown player to rip off an ungodly amount of points.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some sponsors are still participating despite others having pulled out due to the lack of ice for demonstrations.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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But that’s not due to a lack of interest.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At least in the interim, Duke deserves credit for finding ways to win despite some of its defensive deficiencies.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
11 Jan. 2026
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To combat this, our program overcorrected for the deficiencies of remote work, investing in in-person experiences and human connection.—
Justin Harlan,
Fortune,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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