insufficiency

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
Definition of insufficiencynext
1
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means her alleged insufficiency for the job

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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 insufficiency Some were permanently dismissed due to statute of limitations or legal insufficiency, while others were temporary on legal grounds, meaning Pines' lawyers can attempt to correct them. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 June 2026 There’s a temptation to call such men too big for their boots, but Henri is too small for his, and Arlaud is so good at projecting that insufficiency, yet still being riveting to watch. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 May 2026 The statement, however, does note some insufficiencies occurred on the part of its board. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 May 2026 Often times there are provisions in a divorce agreement about insufficiency of life insurance including a claim against his estate. — Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
  1. shortage
  2. inability
  3. lack
  4. deficiency
Noun
  • The bigger issue, Chesky argues, is a shortage of new construction.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Recently, anger at this collateral damage, heightened by the fish shortage, has evolved into a political movement.
    — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • The real failure here is on the part of the adults involved — their inability to resolve conflict, manage bruised egos and find a way to nurture an extraordinary talent.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His teachers attributed the problem to his inability to stay focused while using an iPad throughout the day, Byock said.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of inability
Noun
  • The demonstrations first erupted last month in a high school in Creteil, southeast of Paris, over a lack of staff.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Management is guiding to flat EBITDA margins for the year, as lower-margin acquisitions and a fading FX tailwind offset productivity gains, so don't be worried about a lack of profitability growth in coming quarters.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The coaster’s most recent inspection, on March 16, reported no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags, according to King.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other diseases that cause similar symptoms and findings include lupus, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and less common conditions like neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody disease.
    — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

insufficiencies
insufficiency
insufficient
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Cite this Entry

“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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