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
However, a magistrate judge who reviewed the evidence last week approved charges against only three individuals, rejecting the evidence against Lemon and the others as insufficient.
—
Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
In less than two months, every case had been dismissed – either after additional footage was reviewed, or a jury found the evidence was insufficient, according to the judge.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
With each passing month, those aggressive tactics test the moral and legal boundaries, only to be met with insufficient resistance, which, in turn, emboldens the federal immigration apparatus to push it even further.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026
The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000 set minimum nationwide safety standards but have been limited by textual ambiguities and insufficient enforcement mechanisms.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
In less than two months, every case had been dismissed – either after additional footage was reviewed, or a jury found the evidence was insufficient, according to the judge.
—Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026
With each passing month, those aggressive tactics test the moral and legal boundaries, only to be met with insufficient resistance, which, in turn, emboldens the federal immigration apparatus to push it even further.
—Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026
The Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 and the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000 set minimum nationwide safety standards but have been limited by textual ambiguities and insufficient enforcement mechanisms.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
-
Someone who speaks too directly is described as intense or lacking polish.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Nothing undermines success like a lack of stability, and of course, a lacking quarterback.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Contraband, misconduct, and inadequate surveillance systems round out the OIG’s familiar list of concerns.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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When the American-Statesman contacted the city Monday about reports of inadequate heating and food, Austin Emergency Management referred the newspaper to Gray’s Sunday comments.—
Chaya Tong,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The capacity for attention on books is so scarce, more so every year.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
8 Jan. 2026
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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
-
Previously, just one satellite in the program had reached low Earth orbit — NEONSAT-1, which flew atop an Electron in April 2024.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Rieder is believed to prefer lower interest rates, a top priority for a president who wants massive rate cuts.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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