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
Democrats largely reject this idea as insufficient for covering the high costs of health care.
—
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit also alleged that Tesla has provided insufficient warnings or training for occupants to have a safe exit after a crash.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
But the country’s oil infrastructure has fallen into disrepair following years of insufficient investment and sanctions.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The reason given is insufficient inventory.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit also alleged that Tesla has provided insufficient warnings or training for occupants to have a safe exit after a crash.
—Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
But the country’s oil infrastructure has fallen into disrepair following years of insufficient investment and sanctions.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The reason given is insufficient inventory.
—Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
-
Nothing undermines success like a lack of stability, and of course, a lacking quarterback.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
-
These are all signs of a lacking musclespan, whereas not noticing any difficulties in everyday tasks suggests a stronger trajectory.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
The National Transportation Safety Board in June said inadequate training and management oversight had been among the problems at the company, according to its investigation into what led to the door plug blowout in January 2024.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2026
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Right before the gunfire at Brown, the suspect stopped in a bathroom at the Barus & Holley building, where a man – later identified as John, per a police affidavit – noticed his clothes seemed inadequate for the cold weather.—
Michelle Krupa,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The capacity for attention on books is so scarce, more so every year.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
-
And the buildout is putting stress on local water resources that communities worry will cause shortages, with 160 new facilities located in areas with scarce supply, according to Bloomberg.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The president argued that inflation was already low enough to start cutting rates.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
-
There’s something motivating about having this low, electronic drumbeat pushing you along, trying to go faster and faster and faster.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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