insufficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "insufficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is an inadequate or insufficient amount, quantity, or level of something. For example: "The power plant experienced an insufficiency of electricity, causing a blackout in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This syndrome also can result from an increased concentration of corticosteroids secreted by benign and malignant tumours of the adrenal gland; conversely, the production of an insufficient amount of adrenal corticosteroids results in primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A second hedonist response is to accept that the insufficiency objector has indeed found a case that is insufficient for value, but then to claim that it is not an instance of pleasure.

SEP

There was a 16, three batsmen got 18 and Buttler top-scored with 22, but the scorecard is an exemplar of insufficiency.

The Guardian - Sport

Judith's cruel imagination exposes the insufficiency of Matt's, while also repositioning Eliot, whose institutionalisation of his wife, and whose conversion (retreat?) to the Church, are Roberta's preoccupations.

The Economist

But the information minister recently declared that the patient faced "complications as a result of a severe lung infection" and a "respiratory insufficiency".

The Economist

Responsibility for the chaos rests jointly on Jordanian insufficiency in face of the overwhelming enthusiasm, and Franciscan pettiness, which insisted on keeping control of the arrangements in the Basilica in the order's shaky hands; but the lesson was learnt.

The Economist

It was mounting pressure from opposition parties and local NGOs that finally forced the prime minister, Hama Amadou, as late as the end of May, to acknowledge the "severe food insufficiency" in the country and to ask for international help.

The Economist

Finally, economists do their work in a context of epistemic insufficiency: they just can't control and don't know what will be the full impact of the interventions that they recommend.

The Economist

Darlanism and expediency belong to the phase of military weakness and insufficiency.

The Economist

The insufficiency of this kind of explanation becomes apparent, however, when the importance of novelty, surprise, complexity, incongruity, ambiguity, and uncertainty is considered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Impaired glucose mobilization may be caused by adrenal insufficiency, severe liver disease, glycogen storage disease, severe infections, and starvation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficiency", clearly specify what is lacking and its consequences to provide context and clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficiency" in informal contexts where simpler words like "lack" or "shortage" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "insufficiency" is as a noun. It represents the state or condition of not being sufficient, denoting a lack or inadequacy. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, such as "food insufficiency" or "adrenal insufficiency".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insufficiency" functions as a noun to denote a state of lacking or being inadequate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. Its usage spans across encyclopedias, news, and scientific domains, indicating a formal register. While "insufficiency" is prevalent across many fields, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal communication. Recognizing common errors, such as overly formal tone, helps refine writing and ensure appropriate register. Ultimately, understanding these facets of "insufficiency" allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of

Emphasizes the absence of something needed.

inadequacy of

Highlights that something is not good enough or sufficient.

deficiency in

Focuses on a specific shortage or failing in a particular area.

shortage of

Indicates a limited quantity of something.

dearth of

Suggests a significant and noticeable lack.

paucity of

Implies a small or inadequate amount.

scarcity of

Highlights the limited availability of something.

incompleteness of

Focuses on the state of being unfinished or lacking essential parts.

unavailability of

Indicates that something is not accessible or obtainable.

incompetence in

Focuses on lack of the required skills or abilities.

FAQs

How to use "insufficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "insufficiency" to describe a lack or shortage of something, as in "The project failed due to an insufficiency of funding."

What can I say instead of "insufficiency"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of", "deficiency", or "shortage" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "insufficiency" or "deficiency"?

"Insufficiency" and "deficiency" are similar, but "deficiency" often implies a more specific or critical lack, while "insufficiency" indicates a general inadequacy.

What's the difference between "insufficiency" and "inadequacy"?

"Inadequacy" suggests something is not good enough for a specific purpose, whereas "insufficiency" points to a lack of the necessary amount or quality.