insufficient
gb/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt/ us/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt/
B2
English
~ 8200
nem elegendő, elégtelen, nem elég, nem megfelelő, hiányos
B2
1
Usage pattern:
insufficient [noun] (for/to [do something])
The company had insufficient funds to pay all of its suppliers on time.
A vállalatnak nem volt elegendő pénze ahhoz, hogy minden beszállítóját időben kifizesse.
Due to insufficient time, we had to cancel the final part of the program.
Mivel nem volt elegendő időnk, el kellett hagynunk a program záró részét.
The project failed because of insufficient resources and poor planning.
There was insufficient evidence to justify starting a full investigation.
The recipe did not work because I used an insufficient amount of flour.
Learner examples
We have insufficient time to finish today.
Nincs elegendő időnk arra, hogy ma befejezzük.
The card was declined because there were insufficient funds in my account.
A kártyát elutasították, mert nem volt elegendő fedezet a számlámon.
The doctor could not decide yet because he had insufficient information.
The team lost because they had insufficient players.
I slept an insufficient number of hours last night.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "insufficient" with "inefficient" because they look similar. "Insufficient" means "not enough in amount or number", while "inefficient" means "not working well or not producing good results." Another common mistake is overusing "insufficient" in very casual speech, where "not enough" sounds more natural.
Meaning
not enough in amount or number
Collocations
insufficient time
|insufficient funds
|insufficient evidence
|insufficient resources
|insufficient information
|insufficient data
Synonyms
not enough (Very common and informal; direct phrase with the same basic meaning.)
|
inadequate (Slightly more formal; often used in similar contexts but can also imply poor quality, not just low amount.)
Antonyms
sufficient (Standard formal opposite, meaning enough in amount or degree.)
|
enough (Everyday opposite, less formal than "sufficient".)
Themes
daily life
|work
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not as much or as many as needed.
Not enough in amount, degree, or number to meet a need, requirement, or demand.
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
insufficient [abstract noun] for [purpose]
The training provided to new employees was insufficient for the complexity of the job.
Az új alkalmazottaknak nyújtott képzés nem volt megfelelő a munka összetettségéhez képest.
The building collapsed because the support beams offered insufficient protection against strong winds.
Az épület összeomlott, mert a tartógerendák nem nyújtottak megfelelő védelmet az erős széllel szemben.
The court ruled that the safety measures were insufficient to protect residents.
Her explanation was considered insufficient and the manager asked for more detail.
The security at the event proved insufficient when large crowds began to push toward the stage.
Learner examples
The students had insufficient practice before the big exam.
A diákoknak nem volt kellő gyakorlatuk a nagy vizsga előtt.
These locks give insufficient security for a busy office.
Ezek a zárak nem nyújtanak megfelelő biztonságot egy forgalmas irodához.
The plan was rejected because it gave insufficient detail.
He lost the case because his lawyer gave insufficient help.
The old walls offer insufficient protection from the noise.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "insufficient" when they mean "poor quality" in general. "Insufficient" focuses on not meeting a needed level or standard, not just being bad. For example, food can be "bad" or "of poor quality", but calling it "insufficient" usually refers to amount or to failing a health/safety standard, not its taste.
Meaning
not adequate in quality or strength
Collocations
insufficient training
|insufficient preparation
|insufficient protection
|insufficient support
|insufficient detail
|insufficient security
Synonyms
inadequate (Very close in meaning; often used for quality, skills, or performance not meeting a standard.)
|
deficient (More formal; often suggests a noticeable or serious lack in quality or completeness.)
Antonyms
adequate (Direct opposite, meaning just good or strong enough to meet a minimum standard.)
|
effective (Opposite in contexts where "insufficient" means not producing the desired result.)
Themes
work
|education
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not good or strong enough for what is needed or expected.
Not good, strong, detailed, or effective enough for a particular purpose or standard.
Grammar
Dictionary form
insufficient
IPA
GB/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt/
US/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt/
Syllables & stress
in - suf - fi - cient (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (fi)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: insufficient
Word family
Expressions
insufficient data
1/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt dˈætə/
fixed phrase
technical
not enough data for conclusions
When there is not enough data or numbers to study something or to make a safe decision.
Examples
- The study was inconclusive because there was insufficient data to support the hypothesis.
- We cannot change the policy yet; we have insufficient data on how it will affect customers.
insufficient evidence
1/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase
formal
not enough proof
When there is not enough proof to clearly show that something is true or that someone is guilty.
Examples
- The charges were dropped because the prosecutor had insufficient evidence.
- Police said there was insufficient evidence to make an arrest at this time.
insufficient funds
1/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt fˈʌndz/
fixed phrase
not enough money in an account
When there is not enough money in a bank account to pay for something, such as a card payment or a check.
Examples
- The transaction was declined due to insufficient funds in his account.
- The bank charged a fee when the check bounced for insufficient funds.
insufficient information
1/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt ˌɪnfɔɹmˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
not enough information or details
When you do not have enough facts or details to decide something or to understand it well.
Examples
- We cannot give you a full answer yet because we have insufficient information.
- The form was rejected due to insufficient information in several sections.
insufficient number of
1/ɪnsəfˈɪʃənt nˈʌmbɚ əv/
fixed phrase
too few items or people
Used to say there are not enough things or people for a need or plan.
Examples
- The event was canceled due to an insufficient number of participants.
- There was an insufficient number of chairs for everyone in the room.