insufficient

/,insə'fiʃənt/

Thân thiện

The cashier informs the customer that the payment was declined due to insufficient funds.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not enough; inadequate: Describes an amount, quantity, or degree that is less than what is necessary, required, or desired for a particular purpose.

Usage

• The adjective "insufficient" is used to qualify a noun, indicating a shortfall or lack. It is often followed by the preposition "for" to specify the purpose or need that is not met.
• It can be used predicatively (after a linking verb like "be" or "seem") or attributively (before a noun).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • The project was canceled due to insufficient funding.
  • He failed the exam because of insufficient preparation.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The evidence was deemed insufficient for a conviction.
  • Your apology seems insufficient to repair the damage.

Advanced Usage

• "Insufficient to" + verb: Used to indicate that something is not enough to achieve a specific action or result.
  • The data is insufficient to draw a definitive conclusion.
• "Insufficient for" + noun/gerund: Used to indicate that something is not enough for a specific purpose or activity.
  • The time allocated was insufficient for a thorough review.
  • The portions were insufficient for feeding a large family.

Variants and Related Words

• Insufficiency (noun): The state or fact of being insufficient; an inadequate amount.
  • The insufficiency of the resources became apparent quickly.
• Insufficiently (adverb): In an insufficient manner; not enough.
  • The problem was insufficiently addressed in the report.

Synonyms

• Inadequate: Not sufficient to meet a requirement.
• Deficient: Lacking in some necessary quality or element.
• Scant: Barely sufficient or adequate.

Antonyms

• Sufficient: Enough to meet the needs of a situation.
• Adequate: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.
• Ample: Enough or more than enough; plentiful.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Insufficient funds": A standard banking term indicating that an account does not contain enough money to cover a check or withdrawal.
  • My debit card was declined due to insufficient funds.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
   • insufficient funds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• deficient