Insufficiency
[ɪnsə'fɪʃ(ə)nsɪ] or [,ɪnsə'fɪʃənsi]
Definition
(noun.) lack of an adequate quantity or number; 'the inadequacy of unemployment benefits'.
(noun.) (pathology) inability of a bodily part or organ to function normally.
(noun.) a lack of competence; 'pointed out the insufficiencies in my report'; 'juvenile offenses often reflect an inadequacy in the parents'.
Inputed by Cyrus--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The quality or state of being insufficient; want of sufficiency; deficiency; inadequateness; as, the insufficiency of provisions, of an excuse, etc.
(n.) Want of power or skill; inability; incapacity; incompetency; as, the insufficiency of a man for an office.
Typist: Marietta
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Inadequateness, inadequacy, incompetence, deficiency, defectiveness, dearth.
Edited by Davy
Examples
- But the very reason for which it has been thought necessary to grant a bounty, is the supposed insufficiency of the price to do this. Adam Smith. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
- The moment we perceive the falshood of any supposition, or the insufficiency of any means our passions yield to our reason without any opposition. David Hume. A Treatise of Human Nature.
- At any rate, she had so many uses for it that its very insufficiency had caused her to play high in the hope of doubling it. Edith Wharton. The House of Mirth.
- Yet she could never stop up the terrible gap of insufficiency. D. H. Lawrence. Women in Love .
- We are all unanimous in that wish, I suppose, said Elinor, in spite of the insufficiency of wealth. Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility.
Editor: Madge