insufficiency

noun

in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These snug garments were once used primarily in medical contexts to improve circulation, especially in people with damage to their leg veins (say, due to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency). Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024 Renal insufficiency refers to a state in which the kidneys are not functioning at their full capacity. Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 These efforts open transgender people up to discrimination and ignore the realities of intersex people, as well as cisgender women with conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency. Orion Rummler, Them, 31 Oct. 2024 Renal insufficiency can occur with CKD, but not all cases of renal insufficiency are considered CKD. Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insufficiency 

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insufficiency was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near insufficiency

Cite this Entry

“Insufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insufficiency. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

insufficiency

noun
in·​suf·​fi·​cien·​cy ˌin(t)-sə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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 How to pronounce insufficiency (audio)
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 adjective
insufficient blood flow to the brain

More from Merriam-Webster on insufficiency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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