ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insufficient

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt// UK //ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt// in·suf·fi·cient

adj. not enough of something for a specific purpose. You use this when there is a lack of what is needed.

adj. lacking in quality or quantity to meet a specific requirement or standard.


SIMPLE

The evidence was insufficient to prove his guilt.

CONTEXTUAL

The rescue team had to turn back because they had insufficient fuel to reach the summit and return safely.

COMPLEX

Economists argued that the stimulus package was insufficient to prevent a long-term recession, noting that the capital injection failed to reach the most vulnerable sectors of the workforce.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French insufficient, from Latin insufficiens. See also in- + sufficient.

Usage

Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' or a 'to-infinitive' clause.

Pitfall

the insufficient of foodthe insufficiency of foodLearners often use the adjective 'insufficient' where the noun 'insufficiency' or 'shortage' is required.

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