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Insufficient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insufficient

[ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

quantity

Not enough or not adequate; lacking in quantity, quality, or degree.

Synonyms

deficient, inadequate, insatisfactory.

Examples of usage

  • There was insufficient evidence to convict him.
  • The company faced financial difficulties due to insufficient funds.
  • She received an insufficient grade on her project.
Context #2 | Noun

food

A food product that does not provide the necessary nutrients for proper health.

Synonyms

poor, unbalanced, unhealthy.

Examples of usage

  • Eating only fast food is a diet high in insufficient.

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 in individuals.
  • Cognitive distortions, such as 'all-or-nothing thinking,' can contribute to feelings of being insufficient.
  • Research indicates that being in a supportive environment can help counter feelings of insufficiency.

Economics

  • In economics, insufficient resources can lead to scarcity, affecting supply and demand.
  • Economic insufficiency can influence personal finance decisions and budgeting.
  • Communities experiencing insufficient infrastructure often face challenges like limited access to services.

Education

  • Students may feel insufficient if they struggle to meet academic expectations, impacting their learning.
  • Insufficient teaching resources can hinder the academic growth and engagement of students.
  • Addressing feelings of insufficiency in the classroom can lead to better student outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • The theme of feeling insufficient is common in various movies and songs, highlighting personal struggles.
  • In social media, individuals may share moments of feeling insufficient compared to idealized lifestyles portrayed online.
  • Characters in literature often grapple with their own insufficiencies, leading to profound character development.

Origin of 'insufficient'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'insufficientem', meaning 'not enough'.
  • It combines the prefix 'in-' (not) with 'sufficient', which means enough or adequate.
  • The term first appeared in English around the 15th century.

The word 'insufficient' originated in the early 15th century from the Latin word 'insufficientem', meaning 'not enough'. Over time, it has been used in various contexts to describe anything that is lacking in quantity or quality. The term has been widely used in the English language to convey the idea of scarcity or inadequacy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,841, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.