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.
The charges in that case were ultimately dropped for insufficient evidence, and Stivers was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in July. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 Attorney Bryan Freedman, who has known and represented Hilton for decades, said the social media company’s explanation was insufficient. — Krystie Lee Yandoli, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 Constipation has many possible causes, including medications, certain medical conditions, low physical activity, and insufficient fiber intake. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026 When threats move at machine speed, a human response alone becomes insufficient. — Aliasgar Dohadwala, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 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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