insufficiency

[ in-suh-fish-uh n-see ]
/ ˌɪn səˈfɪʃ ən si /

noun, plural in·suf·fi·cien·cies for 2.

deficiency in amount, force, power, competence, or fitness; inadequacy: insufficiency of supplies.
an instance of this.
inability of an organ or other part of the body to function normally: cardiac insufficiency.
Also in·suf·fi·cience.

Origin of insufficiency

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Late Latin word insufficientia. See insufficient, -ency

OTHER WORDS FROM insufficiency

self-in·suf·fi·cien·cy, noun, plural self·-in·suf·fi·cien·cies.

Example sentences from the Web for insufficiency

British Dictionary definitions for insufficiency

insufficiency
/ (ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənsɪ) /

noun

Also called: insufficience the state of being insufficient
pathol failure in the functioning of an organ, tissue, etc cardiac insufficiency

Medical definitions for insufficiency

insufficiency
[ ĭn′sə-fĭshən-sē ]

n.

An inability of a bodily part or an organ to function normally.
A moral or mental incompetence.
An inadequate supply.