Insufficiency Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ɪnˌsʌfɪˈʃɛnsi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A lack or inadequacy of something, especially a quality or attribute; a shortfall or deficiency.

Examples

• The company’s insufficiency in funding led to project delays.
• The athlete’s insufficiency in training was evident in their performance.

Synonyms

• Deficiency
• Lack
• Shortfall

Antonyms

• Abundance
• Sufficiency

Additional Information

Insufficiency can refer to a lack of resources, skills, or qualities that are necessary for a particular task or situation. It can also describe a deficiency in a system, process, or relationship. Identifying insufficiencies is important for making improvements and addressing potential problems.

In everyday life, insufficiency can manifest in various ways, such as a lack of time, money, or expertise. It can also refer to a shortage of supplies, materials, or personnel. In a broader sense, insufficiency can describe a societal or global issue, such as a lack of access to education, healthcare, or opportunities.

Etimology

The word “insufficiency” comes from the Latin “insufficiens,” meaning “not sufficient.” It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe a lack or deficiency of something.

Usage Notes

Insufficiency is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as business, healthcare, or education. In informal contexts, it can be replaced with more common terms like “lack” or “shortage.”

Cultural References

Insufficiency has been referenced in literature, music, and film to describe the shortcomings of individuals, societies, or systems.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Insufficiency of evidence” (legal term)
• “Insufficiency of funds” (financial term)

Related Words or Phrases

• Inadequacy
• Deficit
• Shortcoming

Collocations

• “insufficiency of resources”
• “insufficiency of skills”
• “addressing insufficiency”

Frequency of Use

Insufficiency is a moderately used word in formal and technical contexts, but less common in everyday conversation.

Common Misspellings

• Insuficiency
• Inswersiciency