Insufficient

Definition

Lacking in amount, quality, or degree; inadequate.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/
• Respelling: in-suh-FISH-uhnt (with "in" as in "tin," "suh" as in "sofa," "FISH" as in "dish," and "uhnt" as in "blunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/
• Respelling: in-suh-FISH-uhnt (with "in" as in "tin," "suh" as in "sofa," "FISH" as in "dish," and "uhnt" as in "blunt")

In both dialects, "insufficient" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "FISH." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "in-suh-FISH-uhnt."

Etymology

From Middle French insuffisant, from Latin insufficientem (nominative insufficiens, present participle of insufficere), meaning "to be inadequate", from in- ("not") + sufficere ("to suffice").

Derivatives

• Insufficiently (adverb)
• Insufficiency (noun)
• Insufficience (noun, archaic)
• Insufficientness (noun)
• Insufficiencies (noun, plural)

Synonyms

• Inadequate
• Lacking
• Deficient

Antonyms

• Sufficient
• Adequate
• Plentiful

Usage

"Insufficient" is commonly used to describe a lack of quantity or quality in various contexts, such as resources, information, or effort.

Related Terms

• Shortage
• Scarcity
• Paucity
• Dearth
• Deficit

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Insufficient (Adjective, General): Not enough; inadequate in quantity or quality.
  • Example: "The funds available were insufficient to complete the project."

• Insufficient (Adjective, Medical): Referring to organs or body systems that are unable to function adequately.
  • Example: "The patient was diagnosed with insufficient cardiac output."

Note: "Insufficient" typically carries a negative connotation, indicating a situation that does not meet the standard or expectation.