# sufficiency

/səˈfɪʃənsi/ (US) · /səfˈɪʃənsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sufficiency
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the state of having enough of something for a particular purpose. It means you have exactly what you need, even if it is not a large amount.

For teachers: the condition or quality of being adequate or enough to meet a specific requirement. Often used in formal or technical contexts to describe resource management or logical necessity.

## Examples

- The team checked the sufficiency of their supplies before the trip.
- The judge questioned the sufficiency of the evidence provided by the prosecution to support a conviction.
- Economists often debate whether a focus on efficiency alone can achieve environmental goals without a parallel commitment to sufficiency in resource consumption.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the preposition 'of' to specify the resource being measured.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.