INSUFFICIENT Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

insufficient

adjective

ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of insufficient

as in lacking

not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone

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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 insufficient However, there was insufficient evidence that Gemini had lied to its customers or neglected to do due diligence with Genesis Global Capital, its main lending partner, according to the ruling viewed by CNBC. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Loose, hard-to-wipe stool typically points to insufficient fiber or too much water. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Allegations of insufficient medical care and lack of hygiene products, edible food and clean drinking water were among these concerns, according to Haney. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Van de Kerkhof similarly said an expression of interest or letter of intent is insufficient for a first-of-a-kind facility seeking debt financing. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insufficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient

Adjective

Ohio's fittest cities don't rank in the national top 25, but that doesn't mean the Buckeye State is unhealthy or lacking amenities.

— Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
Where to Stay Ely hosts a handful of hotels and motels within town limits, but true luxury accommodations are somewhat lacking.

— Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of lacking

Adjective

According to the whistleblower, testing of this new system has been inadequate.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Gartner predicts that over 40% of agentic AI projects will be canceled by the end of 2027, citing escalating costs, unclear business value and inadequate risk controls.

— Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of inadequate

Adjective

For reference, antimony is a relatively scarce metal/mineral used in things like flame retardants, batteries, electronics, and defense applications.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
David Szondy/New Atlas What was needed was a cheap, effective weapon that could be produced quickly and in large numbers with the scarce resources available in a country committed to total war.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of scarce

Adjective

Bonnell Bonnell isn’t the first to come to the electric off-road motorcycle arena, but its strategy is to differentiate itself through integration, adjustability and relatively low weight rather than simply trying to win the horsepower spreadsheet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
In a footnote to his dissent, Roberts wrote that the underground work on the project – which lower courts had allowed to proceed – addressed the government’s security concerns.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of low

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insufficiency

insufficient

insufficiently

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

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Synonyms of insufficient

adjective

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