insufficient

adjective

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

Synonyms of insufficient

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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.
Beijing held its official deficit target at about 4% of GDP, but the Institute of International Finance estimates the actual deficit could reach as much as 9% and says even that looks insufficient. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 Holding additional liquidity has an opportunity cost, but insufficient liquidity during a downturn can force an organization to sell assets, accept expensive financing or defer investment. — Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Ford’s campaign, as presented in the article, makes affordability a central issue and casts the governor’s record as insufficient advocacy for Nevadans. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026 Burks said much of the frustration is connected to top leaders who provide insufficient training. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for insufficient

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Browse Nearby Words

insufficiency
insufficient
insufflate
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Cite this Entry

“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficient. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insufficient

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