INSUFFICIENCY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

insufficiency

noun

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē

Definition of insufficiency

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in inability

the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means her alleged insufficiency for the job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of insufficiency There’s a temptation to call such men too big for their boots, but Henri is too small for his, and Arlaud is so good at projecting that insufficiency, yet still being riveting to watch. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 May 2026 The statement, however, does note some insufficiencies occurred on the part of its board. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 May 2026 Often times there are provisions in a divorce agreement about insufficiency of life insurance including a claim against his estate. — Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 But there’s another common culprit that most women don’t think about—vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insufficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency

Noun

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortage

Noun

Johnson’s mayoral tenure has been marked by an inability to work with Springfield, a skill deficiency displayed by his staunch allies at the teachers union and the aligned board members on the CBOE.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Indecisiveness and the inability to keep commitments are a widespread social problem, which has indeed led to the demise of private entertaining.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.

— Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.

— Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

insufficiencies

insufficiency

insufficient

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Style

“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of insufficiency

noun

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