as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
there's been an insufficient number of volunteers for the job, so I'll have to select someone
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of insufficient
For example, employees pointed to insufficient training and lack of support after a firefighter narrowly escaped from a roof collapse that could have been fatal.
—
Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Twenty percent of all delays at borders are caused by insufficient customs preparation, according to the World Trade Organization and supported by Maersk’s internal data.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Twenty percent of all delays at borders are caused by insufficient customs preparation, according to the World Trade Organization and supported by Maersk’s internal data.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.
—Ben Adler, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.
—Vipin Narang, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for insufficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insufficient
Adjective
-
What began as a clinical workaround in the face of inadequate training has helped fuel a national crisis driven by multiple complex factors, with human costs that are still mounting.—
Hany Demian,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Several after-action reports from the massive protests in 2020 found glaring problems in the department’s handling of the demonstrations, concluding that poor planning, inadequate training and inconsistent leadership within the department contributed to disorder in the streets.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
But for most people real human attention is scarce.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
Longevity Delivers More Than Health These stories prove what’s possible, even when resources are scarce.—
Sylvana Quader Sinha,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
6 July 2025
-
Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insufficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insufficient. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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