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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insufficient
For example, employees pointed to insufficient training and lack of support after a firefighter narrowly escaped from a roof collapse that could have been fatal.
—
Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Twenty percent of all delays at borders are caused by insufficient customs preparation, according to the World Trade Organization and supported by Maersk’s internal data.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Twenty percent of all delays at borders are caused by insufficient customs preparation, according to the World Trade Organization and supported by Maersk’s internal data.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
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Furthermore, decades of secondary math teacher shortages means that many positions have been filled by individuals teaching on substandard credentials who have inadequate preparation in math or pedagogy or both.—
Linda Darling-Hammond,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Beyond affecting gut health, inadequate enzyme activity can also lead to chronic inflammation and may even contribute to autoimmune problems.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Accurate data is scarce, given that members of groups rarely self-identify.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Dholes are dogs and communal hunters, typically traveling in packs of up to 30 animals but can hunt alone or in pairs when prey is scarce, according to the study.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Because of its moisture needs, it is best planted near a body of water, such as a pond or streambed, or in low, damp spots.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
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Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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