German word

unzureichend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊnˌtsuːʁaɪ̯çn̩t/

Meaning

  • adjectiveinadequate

Example

Wir haben einen unzureichenden Plan.

We have an inadequate plan.

Illustration for unzureichend (inadequate)

More examples

Bei dem Projekt gab es unzureichende Informationen.

There was inadequate information about the project.

Core concept

A bridge stops short of the far bank, so it cannot meet the purpose it was built for.

Common phrases

  • unzureichende Informationen

    inadequate information

  • unzureichende Finanzierung

    inadequate funding

Similar words

nicht genug: Less than the amount needed for a task or purpose.
nicht ausreichend: Insufficient to meet a required standard or achieve a purpose.
ungenügend: Below the minimum acceptable standard for passing or approval.
mangelhaft: Containing clear defects or gaps that keep it from working as expected.

Definition in German

Für einen bestimmten Zweck oder Anspruch nicht ausreichend.

Word origin

Unzureichend combines the negating prefix un- with zureichend, from zu and reichen, whose sense is to reach or be enough.

Usage tips

  • Unzureichend is common in formal assessments, while everyday speech often uses nicht genug or nicht ausreichend.

Other meanings

  • insufficientadjective
  • meageradjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word