sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an amount that satisfies a need or requirement, such as: We had sufficient food to feed everyone at the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant".

The New York Times

We have determined that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and that a prosecution is in the public interest".

The Guardian

That's one way of seeing it, but it does not seem to give sufficient credit to the work Republicans did to construct the trap themselves.

The Guardian

In Javid's letter, dated 12 March, the minister voiced his concern about the risk that the revived censorship proposal would be used "otherwise than intended, not least given the difficulty of defining extremism, and the consequent likelihood of the government being seen to be interfering with freedom of speech without sufficient justification".

The Guardian

Draghi said at the IMF's meetings in Washington over the weekend that financial buffers were sufficient to prevent contagion spreading to other weak economies in the currency union.

The Guardian

Doctors vary in the length of antibiotic regimes they prescribe, with five-day courses for urinary tract infection still being used even though the evidence shows that two to three days is sufficient for an uncomplicated infection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a consequence, even if the SFO had been aware of cheques to the Conservative party in 1993 – and assuming there was sufficient evidence of theft – prosecutors would not have been likely to add a count to the indictment.

The Guardian - Business

Neither found sufficient evidence to act against her.

The Guardian

Whatever the truth of the matter, two corners from Andreas Brehme were sufficient to produce goals which brought the scores level in the space of nine minutes, and just for a moment it seemed that the World Cup was going to be taken back to Europe from a Latin American tournament for the first time in the most extraordinary fashion.

The Guardian - Sport

The six-to-one ruling in the Hutchinson case says the justice secretary does clearly have a power to release whole-life prisoners in exceptional circumstances making the law sufficient to comply with article three, which bans inhuman or degrading treatment.

The Guardian

The camera can also be downgraded, removing features, or, if a malicious third party gets sufficient access, the app can be turned against you, secretly taking pictures and/or videos and collecting data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficient", ensure that the context clearly indicates what standard or need is being met. For example, "sufficient evidence" implies enough evidence to meet a legal or investigative standard.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient" in overly complex sentences where a simpler word like "enough" would improve clarity. Overly formal language can sometimes obscure meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "sufficient" primarily functions to qualify a noun, indicating that it is adequate or enough to meet a particular need or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correctly and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "sufficient" is a versatile term used to describe something that is adequate or enough for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While alternatives like "adequate" and "enough" exist, "sufficient" often carries a more formal tone. It's crucial to use it in contexts where the standard being met is clear. The provided examples from reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times showcase its frequent usage in news, business, and scientific domains, highlighting its broad applicability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate

Implies meeting a minimum requirement or standard, similar to sufficient but sometimes suggests a lower threshold.

enough

A more general term indicating that a quantity or quality meets a need or purpose.

ample

Suggests more than enough, implying abundance or a generous supply.

satisfactory

Indicates that something meets expectations or requirements, often in a formal setting.

competent

Refers to having the necessary skills or qualities to meet a requirement or perform a task.

capable

Highlights the ability to meet demands or handle situations effectively.

suitable

Indicates appropriateness for a particular purpose or situation.

efficacious

Specifically denotes effectiveness in producing a desired result or effect.

serviceable

Suggests being in working order and able to perform its intended function.

extent needed

Emphasizes reaching the magnitude or degree necessary for a purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficient" in a sentence?

Use "sufficient" to describe something that is adequate or enough for a particular purpose. For example, "We have "sufficient funds" to complete the project".

What are some alternatives to "sufficient"?

Some alternatives include "adequate", "enough", and "ample", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "sufficient" or "enough"?

While both words indicate adequacy, "sufficient" is often considered more formal. "Enough" is generally suitable for most contexts, while "sufficient" might be preferred in legal or technical writing. Consider your audience when deciding which to use.

What's the difference between "sufficient" and "adequate"?

"Sufficient" implies that something meets all requirements and is fully satisfactory. "Adequate", on the other hand, suggests that something is just enough, meeting the minimum requirements but perhaps not exceeding them.