INSUFFICIENCY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

insufficiency

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē

Definition of insufficiency

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means her alleged insufficiency for the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 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 But there’s another common culprit that most women don’t think about—vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insufficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency

Noun

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortage

Noun

Besides faulty lactose digestion, nonwhite bodies were accused of other failures, too, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, an inability to digest alcohol quickly.

— Hilary Smith, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
Officials said the steep terrain and the inability for the climbers to safely dismount prompted a helicopter rescue technician to be lowered to assist the first victim.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

Because of a lack of variety in Halal restaurants, neither of the men had tried barbecue besides brisket before their trip.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Fast growth and lack of warnings compound disaster Steiner said about 10% of Nepal’s power production was located in the valley affected by the latest disaster.

— Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

insufficiencies

insufficiency

insufficient

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“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of insufficiency

noun

Example Sentences

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