Words / B1

ins-uh-FISHUNT/ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt/

Insufficient means not enough: insufficient evidence; insufficient to + verb. Sufficient is the opposite (already in the dictionary). Inadequate is a close twin; too little is everyday. Samples: insufficient to support a grade change.

Meaning

Not enough (insufficient + noun; insufficient to + verb).

Examples

• “The sample was insufficient to support a grade change.”
• “Insufficient heating made the hall unusable for the listening paper.”

Good to know

insufficient + noun; insufficient to + verb. Opposite: sufficient. Close: inadequate. Everyday: not enough. Remarks / heating / evidence.

Near in meaning

inadequate

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