sufficient

The word “sufficient” means enough for a particular purpose; adequate. In plain terms, as much as is needed — no more, no less.

“Sufficient” is pronounced suh-FIH-shuhnt (/səˈfɪʃənt/ in IPA).

Here is “sufficient” used in a sentence: “They had sufficient evidence to bring charges.”

The opposite of “sufficient” — its antonyms — are insufficient, nonsufficient and unsufficient.

“Sufficient” is an adjective.

The word “sufficient” comes from Latin. From Old French sufisant, from Latin sufficiens, the present participle of sufficere ("to suffice").

“Sufficient” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both mean adequate for a particular purpose, but 'sufficient' is more formal and common in writing, while 'enough' is everyday and conversational. 'Enough' can also follow the word it modifies, as in 'good enough', whereas 'sufficient' comes before the noun.

They are close in meaning, both suggesting enough for a purpose. 'Adequate' can carry a hint of 'just barely acceptable', while 'sufficient' focuses more neutrally on there being enough to meet the need.

These are often confused but unrelated in meaning. Sufficient means enough or adequate for a purpose, while efficient means working well without wasting time or resources. A supply can be sufficient without being efficient.

Both are correct in different structures. Use 'sufficient for' before a noun, as in 'sufficient for the task', and 'sufficient to' before a verb, as in 'sufficient to cover the cost'.