Words / B2

s-uh-FISHUNT/səˈfɪʃnt/

Sufficient means as much as is needed: enough is the everyday word and more flexible in position (enough time), while sufficient is more formal and usually comes before the noun (sufficient evidence / time / funds). The pattern is sufficient for + noun or -ing; adequate often hints “barely good enough,” and insufficient is the opposite.

Meaning

As much as is needed; enough.

Examples

• “Two hours is sufficient for this task.”
• “The sample size was not sufficient for firm conclusions.”
• “Is one example sufficient, or do we need more?”

Good to know

Formal enough. sufficient + noun; sufficient for. Opposite: insufficient.

Near in meaning

enough

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