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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of insufficient
In her ruling, Geraghty also found that the lawsuit's claims against two news companies covering the case dealing with defamation were insufficient, dismissing those as well.
—
Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The programs rely mainly on federal funds many school leaders call insufficient.
—Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
And in the bathroom, spatial allowances for shower and toilet compartments are often insufficient.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
The muted recognition of a day intended to call attention to the rising global incidence of pediatric cancer and the urgent need for research funding is a sobering reminder that while concern is often expressed, meaningful action remains insufficient.
—Jason Collins, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
The programs rely mainly on federal funds many school leaders call insufficient.
—Miranda Dunlap, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
And in the bathroom, spatial allowances for shower and toilet compartments are often insufficient.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
The muted recognition of a day intended to call attention to the rising global incidence of pediatric cancer and the urgent need for research funding is a sobering reminder that while concern is often expressed, meaningful action remains insufficient.
—Jason Collins, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
-
Financial vulnerability in Cook County has declined modestly since 2022, with fewer households reporting having less than a week of savings and fewer lacking confidence in reaching long-term goals.—
Jennifer Tescher,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
-
And don’t give me the lacking pass protection nonsense.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
About 120,000 people are in 580 overcrowded shelters with inadequate sanitation.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Trump also warned the House GOP that their existing version of the bill is inadequate.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Twin Cities,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When the price of something scarce—concert tickets, Saturday night tables, theme park rides—is set far below what the market would naturally bear, the scarcity doesn’t disappear.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Ukraine is hoping to trade that know-how for scarce Patriot missiles.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Heat was also without Nikola Jovic (low back injury management), Terry Rozier (not with team) and Jahmir Young (G League) on Thursday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Many unions, for instance, which have their own healthcare plans, might welcome lower drug prices.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
