insufficient

[in-suh-fish-uhnt] / ˌɪn səˈfɪʃ ənt /

ADJECTIVE

not enough; lacking

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deficient faulty inadequate incomplete meager poor scant scarce unsatisfactory

WEAK

bereft defective destitute devoid drained dry failing imperfect incapable incommensurate incompetent infrequent minus out of rare short short of shy thin too little too late unample unfinished unfitted unqualified wanting

Antonyms

STRONGEST

adequate enough perfect satisfactory strong sufficient

WEAK

ample

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Investigators ultimately said there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Supplements may be useful when dietary intake is insufficient or osteoporosis is present, but excessive intake should be avoided.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

"It didn't limit student use of AI in any way -- so, completely insufficient, inadequate."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

NAHT's Graham Gault said "school leaders have yet to experience any meaningful reduction in the huge pressures they face," while the NEU's Pauline Buchanan said "there has been insufficient progress on core matters".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Europe’s barriers were sufficient to prevent political unification, but insufficient to halt the spread of technology and ideas.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing insufficient

Figurative Language in King's "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

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Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech (1963)

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Bridge to Terabithia

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