sufficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sufficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to having enough of something, such as money, time, or resources. Example sentence: We need to ensure we have a sufficient supply of materials to complete the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Bangkok-based brand strategist Sirikul Laukaikul argued that's the case in a presentation about an idea called the "sufficiency economy philosophy" at Sustainable Brands in San Diego, California, this week.

The Guardian

"When you have a sufficiency of evidence, it makes more sense to apply forensic resources to another case.

The Guardian

That's the whole idea of the sufficiency economy.

The Guardian

Policies affecting the state pension are important for many people and many reasons; the state of public finances and the determination of tax and social contribution rates; consumer confidence about the sufficiency of their (public or private) savings and therefore domestic demand; and especially for the well-being of most older members of our society.

The Economist

The junta that ousted Mr Thaksin claimed his policies flouted the king's notions of a "sufficiency economy", rooted in traditional notions of harmonious village life and perfect hierarchy, which they then incorporated into a new constitution.

The Economist

THIS week Gordon Brown, the chancellor of the exchequer, called for a challenge to the Church of England's teaching on the sufficiency of the scriptures for salvation in the light of new evidence from non-canonical texts.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Many who work the land also blame the UK's higher and more costly food standards for falling self-sufficiency, by driving prices above those from abroad.

The Guardian

We help people shake off a feeling of fatalism … we help them think about ways of changing their situation Deogratias Niyonkuru While European leaders debate how much of their wealth to devote to aid, Niyonkuru sings from a different sheet – advocating self-sufficiency and an agenda that prioritises a sense of dignity.

The Guardian

The self-sufficiency of the Beatles signalled the end of the Brill building era, but the short-lived heyday of the Monkees provided work for its redundant writers and arrangers.

The Guardian - Music

"Since 1990, self-sufficiency has improved, but it is still only 20% for eating apples," she says.

The Guardian

Critics have argued for years that donors' practice of spending aid money through organisations located in their own countries has hampered efforts to build self-sufficiency abroad, and works to the detriment of local businesses and industries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like evidence or resources, "sufficiency" implies a threshold has been met. Use it to signal that there is enough of something to satisfy a particular need or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficiency" when you actually mean "excess" or "surplus". "Sufficiency" indicates having enough, not necessarily having more than enough.

Linguistic Context

Sufficiency functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being adequate or enough. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples show its use in discussing evidence, resources, and economic philosophies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufficiency" is a noun referring to the state of having enough of something, frequently encountered in news and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid English word. While not exceedingly common, its correct use implies a threshold has been met, differentiating it from terms implying excess. When writing, avoid mistaking it for related concepts such as "efficiency" or "self-sufficiency", and be mindful of the specific context to ensure accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequacy

Refers to the quality or state of being adequate, implying a satisfactory or acceptable level.

enoughness

Emphasizes the state of having a quantity that is sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose.

adequateness

Highlights the state of being adequate, implying a level that meets requirements but may not exceed them.

proficience

Implies a level of skill or competence that is sufficient to meet demands or requirements.

plenty

Suggests an abundance or more than enough of something, often implying a generous quantity.

competence

Indicates the ability to perform a task adequately, implying the presence of necessary skills and knowledge.

resourcefulness

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties, especially in resource-constrained situations.

capability

Focuses on the potential or capacity to perform a task or achieve a desired outcome.

effectiveness

Implies a successful or efficient outcome, indicating the ability to achieve desired results.

serviceability

Highlights the quality of being suitable for use or able to provide a useful function.

FAQs

How is "sufficiency" used in a sentence?

"Sufficiency" is typically used to describe the state of having enough of something, such as resources, evidence, or qualifications. For example, "The investigation lacked "sufficiency of evidence" to proceed."

What words are similar to "sufficiency"?

Similar words include "adequacy", "enoughness", and "competence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "sufficiency" and "efficiency"?

Yes, "sufficiency" refers to having enough of something, while "efficiency" refers to achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. "Sufficiency" focuses on meeting a need, while "efficiency" focuses on optimizing resource use.

How does "sufficiency" relate to the term "self-sufficiency"?

"Sufficiency" is the quality of being sufficient, while "self-sufficiency" is the ability to provide for one's own needs without external assistance. "Self-sufficiency" implies a broader capability than simple "sufficiency".