insufficient
- 1Not enough in amount or quality to meet what is needed.
Like trying to fill a big bucket with just one cup of water.
The evidence was insufficient to convict him.
Their water supply proved insufficient for the long journey.
Similarinadequate, deficient, lacking, wanting, unsatisfactory
Oppositesufficient, adequate, ample, satisfactory
- 2Not enough of something to meet a need.
Like having too little flour to bake all the bread you planned.
We had insufficient food for everyone at the party.
Insufficient rain this summer ruined the crops.
Similarscant
Oppositesufficient, adequate, enough, ample
- 3An amount of something that is smaller than what is needed.
Like setting out four plates when six people come to dinner.
They shipped insufficient parts to finish the machine.
There were insufficient seats for all the guests.
Oppositesufficient, adequate, enough
- 4Not good enough or skilled enough for a task or duty.
Like a short ladder that can't reach the top shelf.
He felt insufficient for the demands of his new job.
The young captain seemed insufficient to lead such a large crew.
Similarinadequate, unequal, unfit, unqualified, incapable
Showing meanings only.
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of insufficient apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From Latin insufficiens, which is in- (meaning 'not') plus sufficient. It came into English through Middle French insufficient.