insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 
plural insufficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being insufficient: such as
a
: lack of mental or moral fitness : incompetence
the insufficiency of this person for public office
b
: lack of adequate supply
insufficiency of provisions
c
: lack of physical power or capacity
especially
: inability of an organ or body part to function normally
renal insufficiency
2
: something that is insufficient or falls short of expectations
Examples of insufficiency in a Sentence
dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket
her alleged insufficiency for the job
Recent Examples on the Web
While hospitalized, the pope was also diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection and then mild renal insufficiency.
—
Susan Miller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
By Monday evening, the Vatican said, his lab results showed some improvement and monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency hasn't caused new concerns.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
According to the evening bulletin, the slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday was not a cause for concern.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Wearing them also helps manage other symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, such as leg heaviness or fatigue.6
3.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
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Susan Miller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
By Monday evening, the Vatican said, his lab results showed some improvement and monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency hasn't caused new concerns.
—Willem Marx, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
According to the evening bulletin, the slight kidney insufficiency detected on Sunday was not a cause for concern.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Wearing them also helps manage other symptoms associated with venous insufficiency, such as leg heaviness or fatigue.6
3.
—Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficiency. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural insufficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being insufficient
2
: a lack of something : deficiency
Medical Definition
insufficiency
noun
in·suf·fi·cien·cy
ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural insufficiencies
: the quality or state of not being sufficient: as
a
: lack of adequate supply of something
an insufficiency of vitamins
b
: lack of physical power or capacity
especially
: inability of an organ or bodily part to function normally
renal insufficiency
pulmonary insufficiency
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