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
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
Because surveillance drones are now typically equipped with thermal cameras that register the heat signatures of human bodies, the cover of darkness would be insufficient for the team to elude detection.
—
Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
While Russian propaganda pushes out stories saying about great salary levels, online discourse shows that people feel their salaries are insufficient.
—Peter Pomerantsev, TIME, 6 Apr. 2024
But an officer’s decision to search a car or extend a stop can quickly cross a line if there is insufficient evidence or a lack of consent.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024
The report also found poor or insufficient social connection raises the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and increases the likelihood of developing dementia by 50%.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024
This can be challenging for breastfed babies because breastmilk is an insufficient iron source.
—Jennifer D'angelo Friedman, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024
Jane filed motions from prison citing such issues as insufficient evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2024
But to be clear, the progress made is still insufficient.
—Kimberly Bryant, Essence, 29 Mar. 2024
This may involve the inadequate evaluation of patient suitability and insufficient follow-up care.
—Chris Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024
Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
While Russian propaganda pushes out stories saying about great salary levels, online discourse shows that people feel their salaries are insufficient.
—Peter Pomerantsev, TIME, 6 Apr. 2024
But an officer’s decision to search a car or extend a stop can quickly cross a line if there is insufficient evidence or a lack of consent.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024
The report also found poor or insufficient social connection raises the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and increases the likelihood of developing dementia by 50%.
—Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024
This can be challenging for breastfed babies because breastmilk is an insufficient iron source.
—Jennifer D'angelo Friedman, Parents, 1 Apr. 2024
Jane filed motions from prison citing such issues as insufficient evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel.
—Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2024
But to be clear, the progress made is still insufficient.
—Kimberly Bryant, Essence, 29 Mar. 2024
This may involve the inadequate evaluation of patient suitability and insufficient follow-up care.
—Chris Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insufficient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near insufficient
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficient. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insufficient
adjective
in·suf·fi·cient
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ənt
: not sufficient : inadequate
insufficiently
adverb
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