SuaviloquyToday’s word

insufficient

Insufficient, a.

Etymology: [L. insufficiens, -entis. See In- not, and Sufficient.]

1. Not sufficient; not enough; inadequate to any need, use, or purpose; as, the provisions are insufficient in quantity, and defective in quality. "Insufficient for His praise." Cowper.

2. Wanting in strength, power, ability, capacity, or skill; incompetent; incapable; unfit; as, a person insufficient to discharge the duties of an office.

Syn. -- Inadequate; scanty; incommensurate; unequal; unfit; incompetent; incapable; inefficient.

Shades of meaning

Fernald lists insufficient only as an antonym, under adequate, perfect, plentiful.

He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.

Synonyms

none given