be insufficient

/biː ɪnˈsəfɪʃənt/
verb phraseIntermediate
formal

to lack the necessary quantity or quality

The budget is insufficient to cover all expenses.

The budget is not enough to cover all expenses.

His qualifications are insufficient for the job.

His qualifications are not enough for the job.

💡

Often used in formal or professional contexts to indicate a lack of adequacy.

Collocations

be insufficient fornot enough forbe insufficient tonot enough to

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

be inadequatephrase
not good enough
be lackingphrase
not having enough

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

Use 'be insufficient' in formal contexts such as reports, legal documents, or professional communications.

Gold Rule

Precision

Ensure that 'be insufficient' is used to describe a measurable lack, not just a general feeling of inadequacy.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'insufficient' (14th century), from Latin 'insufficientia', meaning 'lack of sufficiency'.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in formal writing, legal documents, and professional contexts to indicate that something does not meet required standards or quantities.

Word Breakdown

be
to exist in a certain state
verb
+
insufficient
not enough
adjective
English Dictionary