insufficiency

noun

in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

plural insufficiencies

1

: the quality or state of being insufficient: such as

a

: lack of mental or moral fitness : incompetence

the insufficiency of this person for public office

b

: lack of adequate supply

insufficiency of provisions

c

: lack of physical power or capacity

especially : inability of an organ or body part to function normally

renal insufficiency

2

: something that is insufficient or falls short of expectations

Synonyms of insufficiency

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency

Examples of insufficiency in a Sentence

dealt with the school's insufficiency of art supplies by buying materials out of her own pocket

her alleged insufficiency for the job

Recent Examples on the Web

Often times there are provisions in a divorce agreement about insufficiency of life insurance including a claim against his estate. —Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

But there’s another common culprit that most women don’t think about—vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 24 Apr. 2026

Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing insufficiency

• chronic venous insufficiency

Rhymes for insufficiency

• inefficiency
• deficiency
• efficiency
• proficiency
• sufficiency
• immunodeficiency

Kids Definition

insufficiency

noun

in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural insufficiencies

1

: the quality or state of being insufficient

2

: a lack of something : deficiency

Medical Definition

insufficiency

noun

in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural insufficiencies

: the quality or state of not being sufficient: as

a

: lack of adequate supply of something

an insufficiency of vitamins

b

: lack of physical power or capacity

especially : inability of an organ or bodily part to function normally

renal insufficiency

pulmonary insufficiency

insufficient

-ənt 

adjective

insufficient blood flow to the brain