German Conversation · Level 45
73 words
German word
ungenügend
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈʊngəˌnyːgənt/
Meaning
- adjectiveinsufficient
Example
Er gab eine ungenügende Antwort.
He gave an insufficient answer.
More examples
In der Prüfung erhielt er eine ungenügende Note.
He received an insufficient grade in the exam.
Core concept
A result reaches part of the target but visibly misses the required threshold.
Common phrases
eine ungenügende Note
an insufficient grade
ein ungenügendes Ergebnis
an insufficient result
Similar words
unzureichend: Too weak to meet the required level or achieve the intended result.
unbefriedigend: Not good enough to provide a satisfactory outcome.
unvollständig: Leaving out necessary parts, details, or information.
mangelhaft: Marked by many defects and sometimes unsuitable for practical use.
Definition in German
So mangelhaft, dass Anforderungen oder Kriterien klar verfehlt werden.
Word origin
Ungenügend is a negative formation from genügend, an adjective related to the verb genügen, 'to be enough'.
Usage tips
- As a German school grade, ungenügend is the formal lowest mark, so it signals a very serious failure.