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Definition of insufficient

insufficient

/ˌɪn.səˈfɪʃ.ənt/
in · suf · fi · cient
Adverb:insufficiently
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insufficient Lexical Profile

insufficient Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not enough in quantity, quality, or degree to meet a specific need or purpose; inadequate.

Example

"The research team had to delay the study because they had insufficient data to draw a reliable conclusion."

2

Unable to perform one's normal physiological function properly (used especially of a bodily organ or valve).

Example

"The cardiologist noted that the patient's mitral valve had become insufficient over time."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for insufficient

• Nearby Words

insufferable
insufferably
insufficiency
insufficient
insufficiently
insular
insularism

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French insufficient, which comes from Late Latin insufficientem, formed from the negative prefix in- ('not') and sufficiens ('adequate, meeting the need').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Insufficient. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/insufficient
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