Sufficient — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /sə-ˈfi-shənt/ suf·fi·cient

Meaning & Definition of Sufficient

Sufficient (adjective)

  1. enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
  2. being a sufficient condition
  3. qualified, competent

Sufficient (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in reasonable, adequate

    similar: acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficing, tolerable, common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, so-so, moderate, modest, presentable, respectable, minimal, unexceptional, fine, good, nice
    opposite: A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty, number one, optimal, optimum, outstanding, par excellence, peerless, preeminent, prime, sensational, special, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, supreme, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unmatched, unparalleled, unsurpassed, deficient, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, unacceptable, unsatisfactory, wanting

Related Entry: Self-sufficient (adjective)

Self-sufficient is a different word from Sufficient. The synonyms below are for self-sufficient, not for sufficient.

  1. able to take care of oneself or itself without outside help

    "the college student worked nights so that he would be self-sufficient"

    similar: independent, self-dependent, self-reliant, self-subsistent, self-subsisting, self-supported, self-supporting, self-sustained, self-sustaining
    related: autonomous, free, self-determining, potent, powerful, resilient, strong
    opposite: dependent, reliant
    near: helpless, inadequate, incompetent, insufficient, impotent, weak

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Sufficient

The most common words with a similar meaning to Sufficient:

acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficing, tolerable, common, fair, indifferent, mediocre, medium, middling, ordinary, passable, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine, second-class, second-rate, so-so, moderate, modest, presentable, respectable, minimal, unexceptional, fine, good, nice

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Sufficient

Words with the opposite meaning of Sufficient:

A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional, exquisite, fabulous, fantastic, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, marvelous, matchless, maximum, nifty, number one, optimal, optimum, outstanding, par excellence, peerless, preeminent, prime, sensational, special, splendid, stellar

Word Forms of Sufficient

Derived words: sufficiently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Sufficient

Middle English sufficiant, sufficient, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French suffisant, sufficient, in part from present participle of suffire "to suffice," in part borrowed from Latin sufficient-, sufficiens, from present participle of sufficere "to have enough strength or capacity, be adequate" suffice

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Sufficient

Words & Phrases Containing Sufficient

sufficient condition, self-sufficient

Frequently Asked Questions about Sufficient

What does "Sufficient" mean?

"Sufficient" means enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end. As an adjective, it is defined as: enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end.

What is another word for "Sufficient"?

Other words for "Sufficient" include acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable and satisfactory. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Sufficient" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Sufficient"?

There are 32 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Sufficient". Common alternatives include acceptable, adequate, all right, alright, decent, OK, reasonable, satisfactory, sufficing and tolerable.

What is the opposite of "Sufficient"?

Antonyms of "Sufficient" include A1, capital, choice, classic, distinguished, excellent, exceptional and exquisite.

Is "Sufficient" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Sufficient" is an adjective.

Is "Sufficient" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Sufficient" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Sufficient"?

"Sufficient" is pronounced /sə-ˈfi-shənt/ and divided into syllables as suf·fi·cient.

What is the origin of the word "Sufficient"?

"Sufficient" comes from Middle English sufficiant, sufficient, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French suffisant, sufficient, in part from present participle of suffire "to suffice," in part borrowed from Latin sufficient-, sufficiens, from present participle of sufficere "to have enough strength or capacity, be adequate" suffice. First known use: 14th century.