B2adjective2K

Sufficient

UK /["/səˈfɪʃnt/"]/US /["/səˈfɪʃnt/"]/

Definition

enough for a particular purpose; as much as you need

In simple words: enough or adequate

Examples

  • Allow sufficient time to get there.
  • One dose should be sufficient.
  • These reasons are not sufficient to justify the ban.
  • Our budget is hardly sufficient to pay people, let alone buy any new equipment.
  • Is £100 sufficient for your expenses?
  • The salary proved sufficient for his needs.

Usage notes

Use 'sufficient' in academic, formal, or professional contexts when discussing resources or conditions. Avoid in casual conversation where simpler terms like 'enough' are more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

sufficient + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'suffice' — if something suffices, it's sufficient.

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • quite
  • barely
  • hardly
  • for

Synonyms

  • adequate
  • enough
  • satisfactory
  • ample
  • suitable

Antonyms

  • insufficient
  • inadequate
  • lacking

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'efficient' — remember 'sufficient' means enough, while 'efficient' means doing something well with minimal waste.
  • Using 'sufficient' in contexts where 'a little' or 'some' would fit better.
  • Mixing up 'sufficient' with 'sufficiently' — one is an adjective and the other an adverb.