1
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
2
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
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Recent Examples of insufficiency
Others, such as adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), are rare, and impact less than 1% of the US population.
—
Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Barbabella said in July the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which according to the National Institute of Health can cause skin discoloration, among other symptoms.
—Mike Stunson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Food insufficiencies dropped by 42%, and financial insufficiencies dropped by 43% in households with children.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Studies show that 50 percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from a Vitamin D insufficiency, and this time of year, the effects are even more obvious thanks to a lack of sun exposure—mood swings and fatigue set in, and general aches and pains can become worse.
—Emma Greene, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Rachel Reiff Ellis, SELF, 23 Jan. 2026
Barbabella said in July the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which according to the National Institute of Health can cause skin discoloration, among other symptoms.
—Mike Stunson, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Food insufficiencies dropped by 42%, and financial insufficiencies dropped by 43% in households with children.
—Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
Studies show that 50 percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from a Vitamin D insufficiency, and this time of year, the effects are even more obvious thanks to a lack of sun exposure—mood swings and fatigue set in, and general aches and pains can become worse.
—Emma Greene, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
Noun
-
Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Several others were wounded and taken for treatment in Rahad, which faces severe medical supplies shortages like many areas in the Kordofan region, the statement said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Although the Bobcats scored more points in the paint, their inability to stop the Eagles' forward on the interior led to excessive fouling.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Tua’s inability to perform against the league’s top teams is a major drawback.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There should be empathy for his injury, but no sympathy for his lack of production.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No vitamin D deficiency around here.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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High-impact sports can also destroy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia, while some athletes might also lose blood through their gastrointestinal tract, Hew-Butler says.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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