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
People with medical conditions that affect the small intestine or pancreas, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cystic fibrosis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency.
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Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Dec. 2025
The White House eventually shared a statement from his doctor that said Trump had a chronic venous insufficiency, when someone’s leg veins have a difficult time pumping blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Ryan Mancini, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2025
He was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that is common in older adults, in July.
—Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 2025
Pituitary disease, infections, trauma, or certain medications, including chronic use of synthetic cortisol (glucocorticoids), can cause adrenal insufficiency, Tan added.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficiency
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Noun
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Russia and China, though chastened by their inability to protect Venezuela, retain a strong interest in propping up Havana, given Cuba’s location just 90 miles south of Key West.—
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Forster’s novel may have been written in 1913 (and published, posthumously, in 1971), but its portrayal of Alec and Maurice’s inability to openly articulate their love remains evergreen.—
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Noun
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At least in the interim, Duke deserves credit for finding ways to win despite some of its defensive deficiencies.—
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To combat this, our program overcorrected for the deficiencies of remote work, investing in in-person experiences and human connection.—
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficiency. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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