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

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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 Some were permanently dismissed due to statute of limitations or legal insufficiency, while others were temporary on legal grounds, meaning Pines' lawyers can attempt to correct them. — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 9 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for insufficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency

Noun

Musk has repeatedly treated the sports car as a lower priority than Tesla’s other projects, while also blaming supply chain shortages for earlier delays.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
The state prison system experiences chronic staffing shortages of corrections officers, nurses and physicians.

— Jaquelyn Jahn, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of shortage

Noun

The Bengals beat the Dolphins 31-24 in large part due to the offense’s inability to get the passing attack going.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
Stroud picked apart the Titans, and only the Texans' inability to convert twice inside the Tennessee 20 in the first half kept the final score from being worse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of inability

Noun

High energy costs, coupled with record exits of foreign investors from its capital markets due to risk aversion and the lack of artificial intelligence play, have kept the rupee under pressure.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
What should make all hardcore wheelmen and wheelwomen happy is the lack of a huge center screen.

— Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of lack

Noun

While it was designed to bring nationwide uniformity and stability to college athletics, its deficiencies are manifold.

— Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Commissioner John King's office previously said the March inspection found no violations, deficiencies or red tags.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of deficiency

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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of insufficiency

noun

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