What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meagre
Example
The family survived on a meagre diet of rice and beans. [meagre: adjective]
Example
The company's profits were meagre compared to last year. [meagre: adjective]
insufficient
Example
The funds raised were insufficient to cover the cost of the project. [insufficient: adjective]
Example
The evidence presented was deemed insufficient to prove the defendant's guilt. [insufficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insufficient is more commonly used than meagre in everyday language. Insufficient is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while meagre is less common and tends to be associated with a negative connotation of scarcity or poverty.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meagre and insufficient?
Both meagre and insufficient are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, insufficient may be more commonly used in formal writing due to its versatility and broader range of applications.
