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.
Generic industry multiples are insufficient; true valuation depends on risk factors like owner independence, revenue diversification, growth, and financial cleanliness. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Loose, hard-to-wipe stool typically points to insufficient fiber or too much water. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Allegations of insufficient medical care and lack of hygiene products, edible food and clean drinking water were among these concerns, according to Haney. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Van de Kerkhof similarly said an expression of interest or letter of intent is insufficient for a first-of-a-kind facility seeking debt financing. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 28 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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