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insufficient
This word is more formal than "not enough." You will often see it in official documents, business reports, or academic writing. It is typically used to describe things that can be measured, such as money, time, evidence, or space.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, Fatima is in the library while Maya is at home.
Fatima
Just checked my bank app. I've got insufficient funds for that dinner tonight.
Maya
Typical. Just shell out the cash later, I'll cover you.
💡
Fatima uses 'insufficient funds', a common formal banking term, to explain she is broke. Maya responds with the phrasal verb 'shell out', meaning to pay for something, often reluctantly.
Meanings
adjective
Not enough; inadequate in quantity or quality to meet a particular need or requirement.
"The company had to close because of insufficient funds to pay its employees."