# sufficient

/səˈfɪʃənt/ (US) · /səfˈɪʃənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sufficient
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. enough

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

having as much as you need for a particular purpose.

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

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

### 2. capable or qualified

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

having the right skills or power to do a job.

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

- He proved himself sufficient for the difficult task of leading the company.
- The candidate was deemed sufficient in her technical expertise, though her interpersonal skills required further development.

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

## Examples

- We have sufficient food for the entire camping trip.
- The police decided there was not sufficient evidence to charge the suspect with the crime.
- While the initial funding was sufficient to launch the pilot program, the directors realized that long-term sustainability would require a more robust private investment strategy.

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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.