insuficiencia
“insuficiencia” means “insufficiency” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
insufficiency
Also: shortage, inadequacy
📝 In Action
La insuficiencia de recursos detuvo la construcción.
B2The insufficiency of resources stopped the construction.
Debemos corregir la insuficiencia de personal en la oficina.
B2We must correct the staff shortage in the office.
El informe destaca una insuficiencia de datos técnicos.
C1The report highlights an inadequacy of technical data.
failure
Also: insufficiency
📝 In Action
El abuelo tiene insuficiencia cardíaca.
B2Grandpa has heart failure.
La insuficiencia renal requiere un tratamiento constante.
C1Kidney failure requires constant treatment.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: insuficiencia
Question 1 of 3
Which of these phrases is a common medical term for 'heart failure'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'insufficientia', built from 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'sufficiens' (meaning 'enough'). It literally describes the state of being 'not enough'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'insuficiencia' the same as 'escasez'?
They are close! 'Escasez' specifically means there is very little of something (like a water shortage), while 'insuficiencia' means that what is available is not enough for the specific goal.
How do I say 'heart failure' in a hospital?
You should use 'insuficiencia cardíaca'. It is the technical and correct term used by medical professionals.
Is it okay to use this word with friends?
It's a bit formal. If you are talking about not having enough pizza, just say 'no hay suficiente pizza' instead of 'hay una insuficiencia de pizza'.