insufficiency of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'insufficiency of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing a lack or shortage of something. For example: "The insufficiency of fresh water in some countries has led to health problems among the population".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

ME: Life, tomorrow, the astonishing insufficiency of memory . . .

The New Yorker

In the packed courtroom, the insufficiency of his answer hung in the air like a gasp.

The New York Times

Jack Burden suffers from an insufficiency of ego and finds himself in thrall to a bully.

The New Yorker

Eventually the pancreatic cells may wear out, causing an insufficiency of insulin that resembles Type 1 diabetes.

The New York Times - Health

"There was an insufficiency of the right amount of information available on this topic for the analysts," the report said.

The New York Times

What does the prophet do, after all, but bemoan the insufficiency of words to express his idea of the divine?

The New York Times

And yet Milosz was always impatient with "the insufficiency of lyric", as the poet Donald Davie expressed it, and indeed the insufficiency of all art, deeply conscious of the unattainability of the reality that surrounds us.

The Guardian - Books

Unlike so many contemporary poets, Lowell never wrote poetry about poetry, or worried about the insufficiency of words to stand for what they signify.

The New York Times - Magazine

Everybody accepts now the fragmentation of the railway system ended up in a situation where there was just an insufficiency of co-ordination.

The Guardian

Marcher suffers from an insufficiency of sexuality, of vital spirit, which is hardly the Wheelers' problem, but, like him, they have no idea what to do with themselves.

The New Yorker

Tom Kark, in his judgment on the insufficiency of evidence says that "the case would have to be based on evidence of very poor management".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficiency of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is specific and clear. For example, instead of "insufficiency of resources", specify "insufficiency of financial resources".

Common error

While "insufficiency of" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lack of" or "shortage of" in informal writing and speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficiency of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a lack or deficit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It typically modifies a noun, specifying what is lacking or inadequate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "insufficiency of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a lack or shortage. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing and speech. Analysis of the provided examples shows that it appears frequently in both News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "lack of" or "shortage of" may be suitable in less formal settings, "insufficiency of" maintains a formal and often technical tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is insufficient. This is a phrase that's used very frequently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortfall of

Indicates a deficit or a failure to meet a required level.

shortage of

Implies a limited or inadequate supply of something needed.

deficiency of

Highlights a lack of something essential, often in a technical or medical context.

lack of

A more general term indicating the absence or unavailability of something.

paucity of

Emphasizes a scarcity or small amount of something, often in a more formal setting.

inadequacy of

Highlights the unsuitability or unacceptability of something for a particular purpose.

scarcity of

Stresses the limited availability of something, implying it is valuable or desirable.

absence of

Indicates that something is not present or does not exist.

limited amount of

Focuses on the small quantity or extent of something.

inadequate supply of

Points out that the quantity of something available is not enough to meet the demand or need.

FAQs

How can I use "insufficiency of" in a sentence?

You can use "insufficiency of" to describe a lack or shortage of something. For example: "The insufficiency of qualified doctors in rural areas is a significant problem."

What are some alternatives to "insufficiency of"?

Alternatives include "shortfall of", "shortage of", or "deficiency of depending on the context".

Is it better to say "insufficiency of data" or "lack of data"?

Both "insufficiency of data" and "lack of data" are correct, but "lack of data" is generally more common and less formal.

What's the difference between "insufficiency of" and "inefficiency of"?

"Insufficiency of" refers to a shortage or lack of something, while "inefficiency of" refers to the wasteful use of something or the inability to achieve a desired result without wasting resources.