Synonyms of insufficient

insufficient

adjective

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

as in lacking

not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need

there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lacking
• inadequate
• scarce
• low
• deficient
• short
• wanting
• unacceptable
• shy
• unsatisfactory
• sparse
• substandard
• meager
• poor
• scanty
• scant
• skimpy
• minimum
• lean
• small
• mere
• spare
• light
• stingy
• slender
• slim
• bare
• skimp
• slight
• hand-to-mouth

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sufficient
• adequate
• enough
• ample
• abundant
• plentiful
• generous
• copious
• liberal
• bountiful
• enlarged
• plenteous
• bounteous
• satisfactory
• expanded
• supplemented
• large
• overflowing
• tolerable
• considerable
• substantial
• rich
• plenitudinous
• lavish
• sizable
• big
• super
• teeming
• hefty
• luxuriant
• abounding
• oversize
• jumbo
• largish
• king-size

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of insufficient

Raising prices can help calm high consumption, which experts have blamed on aging cars and spare parts in Iran as well as insufficient public transportation. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Prevents Calcium Deficiency That Can Reduce Bone Strength Individuals with reduced calcium absorption or insufficient dietary intake may be at risk of calcium deficiency and may require a supplement. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026

But tariffs alone proved insufficient to tackle the security risks that come with Chinese monopoly power, and Washington has begun to experiment with many more tools of industrial policy. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Allegations of insufficient medical care and lack of hygiene products, edible food and clean drinking water were among these concerns, according to Haney. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026