English · Word Candidate

insufficient

/ɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An inadequate quantity of; not enough.

Determiner

Insufficient time is available to reflect on the problem.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A quantity (of something) that is less than is needed.

Determiner

Insufficient of the building remains to determine its age.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Not sufficient; of a type or kind that does not suffice, that does not satisfy requirements or needs.

Adjective

an insufficient amount

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Not sufficient; lacking competent power or ability; unqualified, unequal, unfit.

Adjective

Brother Coſroe, I find my ſelfe agreeu’d, Yet inſufficient to expreſſe the ſame: For it requires a great and thundering ſpeech: […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “insufficient” mean?

An inadequate quantity of; not enough.

Is “insufficient” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.