insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficient funds

especially : lacking adequate power, capacity, or competence

insufficient bandwidth

insufficiently adverb

Synonyms

• deficient
• inadequate
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

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

In essence, the memo contended that the plaintiffs' request to block the new enforcement policy is based on speculation of hypothetical future harm — and thus is insufficient grounds for issuing an injunction. —CBS News, 11 Feb. 2025

The bill was also an overcorrection of the Obama administration’s insufficient stimulus package in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2008, which contributed to the United States’ painfully slow recovery. —Jason Furman, Foreign Affairs, 10 Feb. 2025

The Constitution is a necessary safeguard but insufficient. —Clive Crook, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2025

Locals were aghast, envisioning the small lake and its surroundings being overrun by RVs, motorboats and traffic with insufficient parking. —John Meyer, The Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2025

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

Kids Definition

insufficient

adjective

in·​suf·​fi·​cient ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt 

: not sufficient : inadequate

insufficiently adverb