不足

• Pinyin: bù zú
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (not) + 足 (sufficient, foot)

Meaning

Insufficient; inadequate; less than. Also: shortcoming; deficiency.

Can function as an adjective meaning 'not enough' or as a noun meaning 'shortcoming.' Common in formal writing and analysis. Often used in phrases like 不足之处 (shortcomings) or 信心不足 (lack of confidence).

Examples

1. 这个方案还有一些不足之处，需要进一步完善。 This plan still has some shortcomings that need further improvement.
2. 团队人手不足，很难按时完成项目。 The team is short-staffed, making it difficult to complete the project on time.
3. 他的经验不足，还需要多加锻炼。 He lacks experience and needs more practice.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, evaluation, business

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这份报告有哪些不足？(What are the shortcomings of this report?)
• 资金不足是主要问题。(Insufficient funds is the main problem.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中用'不足'代替'不够'——口语中'不够'更自然 (Don't use 不足 instead of 不够 in casual speech — 不够 sounds more natural)

Origin & History

Compound of 不 (not) + 足 (enough/sufficient), meaning 'not sufficient.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal