sufficiency

noun

suf·​fi·​cien·​cy sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē 

plural sufficiencies

1

: sufficient means to meet one's needs : competency

also : a modest but adequate scale of living

2

: the quality or state of being sufficient : adequacy

Synonyms

• acceptability
• adequacy
• satisfactoriness

Examples of sufficiency in a Sentence

the sufficiency of the portions is such that you will leave the restaurant with a full stomach but without doggie bags

Recent Examples on the Web

The judge overseeing the case ordered each side to file briefs addressing the legal and evidentiary sufficiency of the jury findings. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 May 2024

Stephenson’s clients are prioritizing accessibility, indoor air quality, biophilia and features that facilitate homesteading, like gardens to support self sufficiency and healthy eating. —Jamie Gold, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

earlier sufficience in same sense (going back to Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Late Latin sufficientia, from Latin sufficient-, sufficiens sufficient + -ia -ia entry 1) + -ency

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sufficiency

• self-sufficiency

Kids Definition

sufficiency

noun

suf·​fi·​cien·​cy sə-ˈfish-ən-sē 

plural sufficiencies

1

: sufficient means to meet one's needs

2

: the quality or state of being sufficient : adequacy

Legal Definition

sufficiency

noun

suf·​fi·​cien·​cy

: the quality or state of being sufficient

the sufficiency of the evidence to convict