不足 Shortage

Meaning

Primary

Shortage

Alternative

Insufficiency

Word Type

noun, な adjective, verbal noun

Explanation

You have something that's not sufficient. When something isn't sufficient, you have an insufficiency or shortage.

This word is more commonly used in formal contexts. In more casual, everyday conversations, 足りない is often preferred to express something being insufficient.

Reading

ふそく

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

• 不足を〜

  不足をまねく

  to cause a shortage

  不足をもたらす

  to cause a shortage

  不足をカバーする

  to cover a shortage

• 不足〜

  不足がち

  tends to be insufficient

  不足分

  deficit

  不足だ

  to be insufficient

Context Sentences

このエリアでは去年、水が不足しました。

Last year, there was a water shortage in this area.

不正アクセスがあったのは、わたしの力不足のせいです。すみませんでした。

There has been unauthorized access due to my insufficient skills. I'm sorry.

この不足分は、どこで生まれたんだろう？

Where is this portion of the shortage coming from?

Kanji Composition

1. 不

   ふ Not
2. 足

   そく Foot