C1adjective5K

UK/["/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt/"]/US/["/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt/"]/

Meaning of Insufficient

not large, strong or important enough for a particular purpose

In simple words: not enough

Insufficient in a sentence

  • insufficient time
  • The management paid insufficient attention to working conditions.
  • There are fears that the existing flood barrier may prove insufficient.
  • I’m afraid we have insufficient evidence.
  • His salary is insufficient to meet his needs.
  • The plan was to refurbish the whole building but the funds raised were insufficient for the purpose.

How to use Insufficient

Used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic writing. Avoid in casual conversations. Common in financial or resource-related discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'in-sufficient' as 'in' meaning without and 'sufficient' meaning enough.

Related words

Collocations with Insufficient

Synonyms for Insufficient

Opposites of Insufficient

Common mistakes with Insufficient

  • Confused with 'sufficient' which means enough.
  • Omitting the context, e.g., saying 'insufficient' without stating what is insufficient.
  • Using inappropriately in informal settings.

Insufficient appears in

Insufficient in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Insufficient

What does Insufficient mean?

not enough

What is the definition of Insufficient?

not large, strong or important enough for a particular purpose

How do you use Insufficient in a sentence?

insufficient time

Can you give another example of Insufficient?

The management paid insufficient attention to working conditions.

What are synonyms for Insufficient?

Common alternatives include inadequate, deficient, meager, scanty, lacking.

What is the opposite of Insufficient?

Opposite meanings include sufficient, adequate, ample.

What words go with Insufficient?

It commonly pairs with be, prove, quite, wholly, simply, for.

What are common mistakes when using Insufficient?

Confused with 'sufficient' which means enough. Omitting the context, e.g., saying 'insufficient' without stating what is insufficient. Using inappropriately in informal settings.

How do you pronounce Insufficient?

US: /["/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Insufficient?

Used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic writing. Avoid in casual conversations. Common in financial or resource-related discussions.

What CEFR level is Insufficient?

"Insufficient" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.