sufficiency - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sufficiency Word Meanings
- the state of being enough
- adequate amount or degree
- the quality of being sufficient
sufficiency Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sufficiency Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/səˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
US
/səˈfɪʃənsi/
sufficiency Word Etymology
sufficient (from Latin 'sufficientem' meaning 'enough') + -cy (suffix denoting a state) → Old French → English; Imagine a glass filled exactly to the brim – neither too little nor too much water; it embodies sufficiency.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Sufficiency is a formal noun describing the state of being enough or adequate for a purpose. It emphasizes meeting a required standard rather than merely having a small amount. You can talk about the sufficiency of funds for a project, the sufficiency of evidence in a court case, or the sufficiency of food for a group. The related adjective is sufficient, meaning that something is adequate; the adverb is sufficiently. Learners often confuse sufficiency with simply saying something is enough in casual speech, or apply it to situations that only require allowance or generosity rather than a clear threshold.
Usage Reminders
- Use in formal settings (law, economics); combine with a threshold or standard; contrast with sufficient (adjective) and sufficiently (adverb); avoid treating it as a count noun; remember it signals meeting a criterion, not merely a large amount.
Common Misconceptions
- It means simply having a large amount, not meeting a required threshold
- It can be used as a count noun (the sufficiency of three)
- Sufficiency and enough are always interchangeable in all contexts
- Sufficiency refers to generosity rather than adequacy
- You should say 'sufficient' when you mean 'sufficiency'
Thinking Differences
Sufficiency focuses on meeting a required threshold, not just having a lot. Learners often say 'enough' in casual speech or treat sufficiency as a countable thing, which leads to awkward usage in formal writing.
Learning Tips
- Pair sufficiency with a clear standard (e. g., 'sufficiency of evidence'),
- Compare with 'enough' to feel the nuance differences,
- Practice using it in formal settings like budgets or reports,
- Remember the adjective is 'sufficient' and the adverb 'sufficiently',
- Look for collocations like 'sufficiency of funds' or 'sufficiency criteria'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'sufficiency'?
A.The state of being adequate
B.The quality of being excessive
C.The act of being insufficient
D.The status of being unclear
Step 2: Usage
How is 'sufficiency' used in a sentence?
A.Her sufficiency in energy after the workout was remarkable.
B.The sufficiency of the food was questioned by the diners.
C.There was a sufficiency of doubt in his explanation.
D.The sufficiency of her achievements was celebrated.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sufficiency'?
A.Insufficiency
B.Superfluity
C.Adequacy
D.Scarcity
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sufficiency'?
A.Abundance
B.Insufficiency
C.Satisfaction
D.Adequacy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the concept of sufficiency is important?
A.During a drought, understanding the sufficiency of water resources is crucial.
B.People often worry about their sufficiency when preparing for emergencies.
C.The project required a sufficiency of funding to be completed.
D.She is concerned about the sufficiency of her savings for retirement.
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