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Definitions

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.

That lawsuit was dismissed in June, with Liman finding the claims legally insufficient.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

But the investigation, which began in 2016, was closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The DOJ routinely declines to prosecute cases for any number of reasons, including insufficient evidence or because a case is not a priority for enforcement.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Possible breaches included providing "insufficient measures to prevent new under 16 accounts being created".

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Sometimes the long hours on insufficient food were hard to bear, but Boxer never faltered.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.