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Insufficiency Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’”
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insufficiency

[หŒษชnsษ™หˆfษชสƒษ™nsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

lack of

The condition of being insufficient or inadequate; a lack or shortage of something.

Synonyms

dearth, deficiency, scarcity, shortage.

Examples of usage

  • There was an insufficiency of funds to complete the project.
  • The insufficiency of evidence led to the case being dismissed.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A condition in which a bodily function or substance is below the level considered necessary for normal functioning.

Synonyms

deficiency, lack, scarcity, shortage.

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with iron insufficiency.
  • The insufficiency of vitamins in her diet caused health problems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of insufficiency can lead to low self-esteem and anxiety, as individuals may constantly compare themselves to what they believe is โ€˜enoughโ€™.
  • It can manifest in areas like motivation, where one might feel insufficient to achieve goals, creating a cycle of stress.

Economics

  • Insufficiency in resources, such as food or water, often leads to discussions about poverty and economic inequality.
  • Economists study how insufficiency can affect market stability and consumer behavior.

Health

  • Nutritional insufficiency occurs when the body doesnโ€™t get enough vitamins or minerals, affecting overall health.
  • In medical terms, insufficiency can refer to organs that do not function properly, such as heart insufficiency, where the heart struggles to pump blood.

Literature

  • Writers often explore themes of insufficiency, examining characters' struggles with their limitations and desires.
  • In many poems, insufficiency symbolizes existential angst, reflecting on human desires and the emptiness that can accompany them.

Origin of 'insufficiency'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insufficientem,' meaning โ€˜not enoughโ€™, which combines โ€˜in-โ€™ (not) and โ€˜sufficientโ€™ (enough).
  • In English, it began use around the late 15th century, connecting to various contexts of inadequacy.

The word 'insufficiency' has its origins in the late Middle English period, derived from the Latin word 'insufficientia'. The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'sufficiency' comes from the Latin 'sufficiens', meaning 'sufficient'. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from general lack to medical inadequacy.

See also: insufficiently, sufficiently.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,337, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.