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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insufficient
The pandemic-era Child Care Counts program was replaced by the Bridge Payments program, which providers say offers insufficient funding.
—
Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
In two key ways, aggression against Venezuela or any other Latin American country now – rationalized by Washington as a response to insufficient law enforcement against drug-running – would be dangerously unprecedented.
—Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
When the court tried to mail Jones a copy of the default judgment, the notice was returned due to an insufficient address.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 3 Nov. 2025
In two key ways, aggression against Venezuela or any other Latin American country now – rationalized by Washington as a response to insufficient law enforcement against drug-running – would be dangerously unprecedented.
—Alan McPherson, The Conversation, 2 Nov. 2025
When the court tried to mail Jones a copy of the default judgment, the notice was returned due to an insufficient address.
—Corky Siemaszko, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
-
But Wild coach John Hynes noted in training camp that Jiricek’s decision making in the heat of the battle in the defensive zone is sometimes lacking.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
27 Oct. 2025
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And the flick, based on Hoover’s bestselling novel, lays it on thick alongside a lacking narrative and cringey dialogue.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Eventually, inadequate nutrition promotes oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and body.—
Brigid Dwyer,
Verywell Health,
6 Nov. 2025
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Investing in the right set of tires can save you from having to frequently patch or replace inadequate tires.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As housing remains scarce, pricey, and out of reach, the share of first-time home buyers has hit an all-time low.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Cost of living is raging, high-paying job opportunities are scarce, and layoffs are on the rise.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The research team highlighted that beyond water harvesting, these coatings could help reduce urban heat island effects, lower energy needs for air-conditioning and provide climate-resilient water sources in regions facing growing heat and water stress.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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