What does "sufficient" mean?
Of a type or kind that suffices, that satisfies requirements or needs.
Sufficient
/səˈfɪʃənt/ adj, det
adj, det ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Of a type or kind that suffices, that satisfies requirements or needs.
- Grammar: sufficient is listed as adj, det.
- Nearest alternatives: acceptable, acceptable, adequacy, adequate.
- Useful contrasts: abundant, bad, insufficient.
- Usage evidence: To begin with, the funds are not sufficient for running a grocery.
How to use "sufficient"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "sufficient" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "sufficient" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "sufficient" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "sufficient" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "sufficient" is acting as adj, det in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "acceptable" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "sufficient", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Of a type or kind that suffices, that satisfies requirements or needs.
"This is a necessary condition but not a sufficient one."
- 2 Possessing adequate talents or accomplishments; of competent power or ability; qualified; fit.
"They felt sufficient to maintain their present prosperity and independence."
- 3 Capable of meeting obligations; responsible. archaic
"...to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York; for, till Sir J. Minnes be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself."
- 4 Having enough money to meet obligations and live comfortably. obsolete
"I shall in this place only mention that qualification by wealth; the rather, being applyed to the deputies of towns and citties, where they use to say of a rich man, he is a very sufficient man : and the other sufficiencies and qualifications are mentioned on other occasions."
Adjective
- 1 of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant wordnet
Determiner
- 1 An adequate quantity of; enough.
"We have sufficient supplies to last the winter."
- 2 A quantity (of something) that is as large as is needed.
"We don't need any more; we already have sufficient."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"To begin with, the funds are not sufficient for running a grocery."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "sufficient"?
Common synonyms include: acceptable, acceptable, adequacy, adequate, adequate, adequate use.
How do you use "sufficient" in a sentence?
To begin with, the funds are not sufficient for running a grocery.
How do you pronounce "sufficient"?
Pronounced /səˈfɪʃənt/.
Etymology
From Old French sufisanz, soficient, from Latin sufficiēns, present participle of sufficiō.