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
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
In July, the president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency that has resulted in visible swelling in his lower legs near his ankles.
—
Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Chronic venous insufficiency, which is not considered a serious medical condition, is very common in older adults.
—Abc News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the shape of this new work of fiction highlights both the insufficiency of memory, of story, and their utter necessity.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
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Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 11 Oct. 2025
Chronic venous insufficiency, which is not considered a serious medical condition, is very common in older adults.
—Abc News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2025
Twenty-four years later, the shape of this new work of fiction highlights both the insufficiency of memory, of story, and their utter necessity.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficiency
Cite this Entry
“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficiency. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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