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REFERENCE

sufficient

adj.
US //səˈfɪʃənt// UK //səfˈɪʃənt// suf·fi·cient
  1. 1 enough (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    having as much as you need for a particular purpose.

    adequate to any proposed design or end; satisfying requirements or needs.

    Example

    The team had sufficient time to finish the project before the deadline.

    Example

    The prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'for' or a 'to-infinitive' clause.
    Pitfall
    We have sufficient of food for the week.
    We have sufficient food for the week.

    Do not use 'of' after 'sufficient' when it is followed directly by a noun.

  2. 2 capable or qualified (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    having the right skills or power to do a job.

    possessing adequate talents, accomplishments, or legal power; competent and fit for a purpose.

    Example

    He proved himself sufficient for the difficult task of leading the company.

    Example

    The candidate was deemed sufficient in her technical expertise, though her interpersonal skills required further development.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is less common in modern speech; 'competent' or 'capable' is usually preferred in professional contexts.
Origin

From Old French sufisanz, soficient, from Latin sufficiēns, present participle of sufficiō.

Word family

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