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.

Parents of some of the children injured in the Southport knife attack say they believe they've been given insufficient support because of the anonymity given to them by the courts.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Conglomerate SGH earlier this year bid for steelmaker BlueScope, which rejected the offer as insufficient.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Senate leaders had already concluded that the ballroom funding would have to be dropped from the text because of insufficient support and procedural obstacles.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Some of these parents on Tuesday were cautiously encouraged while concerned that the proposed steps might be insufficient.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026

But the butt-wiggling solution proved temporary and insufficient.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

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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