Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for insufficient. Search instead for insufficient/3.
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.

It warned it had "insufficient funds" to deliver a far more extensive plan to restore the landscape, which had previously been agreed.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The panel concludes that “there is insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct measured against the standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

All were noted as declined for insufficient evidence.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

The extra gravitational attraction of such a large number of black holes could explain why our galaxy rotates at the rate it does: the mass of the visible stars is insufficient to account for this.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

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