Meaning & Definition
adjective
not enough; inadequate.
The funds raised were insufficient to cover the costs of the project.
lacking in quality or quantity.
His research was deemed insufficient to support his hypothesis.
deficient in amount, measure, or degree.
She received an insufficient score on the exam to pass the course.
not having the necessary amount or degree.
The team had insufficient time to complete the task before the deadline.
failing to provide what is needed.
The evidence presented was insufficient to warrant a conviction.
Etymology
From Latin 'insufficientem', meaning 'not enough'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
insufficient funds:
A term used when there is not enough money in an account to cover a transaction.
insufficient evidence:
Refers to a lack of convincing information to support a conclusion in a legal context.
Slang Meanings
Not enough to cut it.
His explanation was nice, but it was just not enough to cut it.
Lame.
That excuse was totally lame, completely insufficient.