Sufficient Meaning

UK /səˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/
US /səˈfɪʃənt/
Word Definition
sufficient meaning

Sufficient Definition & Usage

adjective

Adequate in quantity, quality, or degree to meet the needs or requirements of a situation.

Examples

  • "The food was sufficient to feed all the guests at the party."
  • "She had sufficient knowledge of the topic to answer all the questions confidently."
  • "You don't need to bring more supplies; what you have is sufficient for the trip."
  • "The evidence presented was not sufficient to convict the defendant."
  • "After a long day, a brief rest was sufficient to recharge my energy."
adjective

Having the necessary resources or characteristics to achieve a specific goal or standard, often in legal, financial, or academic contexts.

Examples

  • "The company must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to continue its operations."
  • "The proposed solution was deemed sufficient by the committee to address the issue."
  • "His credentials were sufficient to qualify him for the job position."
  • "The contract clearly outlined the terms, and both parties agreed that they were sufficient for the project to proceed."
  • "A sufficient number of votes were gathered to approve the new policy."

Cultural Context

The word 'sufficient' originates from the Latin word 'sufficere', which means 'to supply' or 'to provide enough of something.' Over time, it evolved to describe the adequacy of something in meeting needs. The term is often used in formal and legal contexts, especially in phrases like 'sufficient evidence' or 'sufficient resources.'

The Sufficient Storm

Story

The Sufficient Storm

The town of Millfield had always been quiet, a place where nothing really exceeded expectations, and nothing was ever in short supply. But when a massive storm hit unexpectedly, everything changed. Ellen, a local farmer, stood by her window, watching the rain pour relentlessly. Her barn, though sturdy, had never been tested by such ferocity. She felt an unease growing in her chest. As the storm worsened, Ellen rushed to the barn to check on her livestock. Her mind raced with worries—did she have enough hay for the animals? Would the roof hold? When she opened the barn door, she was relieved to see that the animals were safe and calm. The supplies she had prepared months ago were sufficient. She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of pride in having anticipated the worst. Meanwhile, at the town hall, the mayor convened an emergency meeting. The damage from the storm was significant, but the town's resources were sufficient to address immediate needs. Volunteers mobilized, and the first responders were dispatched to the hardest-hit areas. As Ellen entered the meeting, she overheard the mayor saying, 'We don’t have endless supplies, but for now, we have enough to get by.' The situation wasn’t ideal, but for the moment, it was sufficient. As days passed, the town rallied together. The word 'sufficient' took on new meaning for many. It wasn’t about abundance; it was about having just enough to make it through. And in a world that often demanded more than anyone could provide, they found comfort in the idea that what they had was, indeed, sufficient. The storm eventually passed, and Millfield returned to its peaceful rhythm. But the people remembered how much strength they found in simply having enough. And for that, they were grateful.

The Sufficient Storm