insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce insufficient (audio)
: not sufficient : inadequate
insufficient funds
especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence
insufficient bandwidth
insufficiently adverb

Examples of insufficient in a Sentence

The case was thrown out because of insufficient evidence. there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
While there are examples of companies taking tangible steps to address water issues, action remains scattered and insufficient. Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025 The union, which originally projected in late March that a strike might involve as many as 6,000 workers at 60 homes, has asked members over the last few weeks to empower union leaders to order a work stoppage — if leaders deem insufficient progress has occurred in negotiations. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025 However, the study results suggest that either current program capacity is insufficient or barriers to access remain substantial. First Place For Youth, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Projecting stability is necessary but insufficient; without deeper institutional reforms to foster transparency, consistency, and private sector vitality, external confidence will remain elusive. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insufficient

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin insufficient-, insufficiens, from Latin in- + sufficient-, sufficiens sufficient

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insufficient was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficient. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

insufficient

adjective
in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce insufficient (audio)
: not sufficient : inadequate
insufficiently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insufficient

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