insufficient

1. 1
   adjective

   Not enough in amount or kind to satisfy a requirement or need.

   The committee found the report insufficient and asked for more detail.

   Funding for the program remained insufficient throughout the year.

   Similarinadequate, deficient, lacking, wanting, unsatisfactory

   Oppositesufficient, adequate, ample, satisfactory

2. 2
   determiner

   An inadequate amount of something; not enough of it.

   The account was closed because of insufficient funds.

   Rescuers had insufficient time to reach the stranded hikers before dark.

   Similarscant

   Oppositesufficient, adequate, enough, ample

3. 3
   determiner

   A quantity of something that is less than the amount required.

   The pharmacy held insufficient stock to fill every prescription that week.

   Voters returned insufficient ballots to reach the required quorum.

   Oppositesufficient, adequate, enough

4. 4
   adjective

   Lacking the power, ability, or competence needed; not equal to a task or responsibility.

   She worried that her training had left her insufficient for the delicate surgery.

   Critics judged the negotiator insufficient to the challenge of brokering peace.

   Similarinadequate, unequal, unfit, unqualified, incapable

   Oppositecapable, competent, qualified, equal

Showing meanings only. Show all 4