insuffisance

insufficiency

noun an-soo-fee-ZAHNS Rare

Also means

inadequacy

Usage Note

Insuffisance denotes a shortage or inadequacy of something required, and is commonly used in medical French — insuffisance cardiaque (heart failure), insuffisance rénale (kidney failure). In non-medical contexts it can mean a personal shortcoming or a failure to meet a standard. The adjective insuffisant (insufficient, unsatisfactory) is frequently encountered on school reports.

Examples

"Le médecin a diagnostiqué une insuffisance cardiaque."

Natural Translation

The doctor diagnosed heart failure.

Literal Translation

The doctor diagnosed a cardiac insufficiency.

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