insufficient

/ˌɪn.səˈfɪʃ.ənt/

not enough

The food was insufficient for the large group of people.

There wasn't enough food for everyone.

formal

not enough in amount, quantity, or degree

The evidence provided was insufficient to prove the case.

The evidence wasn't enough to support the argument.

Insufficient sleep can lead to poor concentration.

Not sleeping enough can make it hard to focus.

Commonly used in formal contexts like reports, legal documents, or academic writing.

Collocations

insufficient fundsnot enough money in an accountinsufficient evidencenot enough proof to support a claiminsufficient datanot enough information to make a decision

Don't use 'insufficient enough'—'insufficient' already implies a lack. Instead, say 'not enough.'

Use 'insufficient' in academic, legal, or professional contexts rather than casual speech.

From Latin *insufficient-*, from *insufficiens* 'not supplying enough,' from *in-* 'not' + *sufficiens* 'sufficient.'

Often used in formal or technical writing. Avoid using it to describe people (e.g., 'He is insufficient' is incorrect).

in-

not

prefix

sufficient

enough

root

English Dictionary