Sufficiency
səˈfɪʃənsi
Definitions
The quality or state of being adequate or enough; the amount that is adequate or enough.
səˈfɪʃənsi
The state of being enough; adequate.
The government assessed the sufficiency of the disaster relief funds.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a plate full of cookies. If you have a 'sufficiency' of cookies, it means you have just the right amount to eat – not too many, not too few! It's when you're satisfied.
👶 For kids: Having enough of something.
More Examples
We must ensure the sufficiency of our resources to meet the needs of the population.
The budget allocated to the project was questioned regarding its sufficiency.
How It's Used
"The country aimed for self-sufficiency in food production."
"She lived a life of modest sufficiency."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
self-sufficiency
The ability to provide for one's own needs without the help of others.
"The rural community strived for self-sufficiency by growing their own crops."
material sufficiency
Having enough resources and goods to meet basic needs.
"The economic program aimed to ensure material sufficiency for all citizens."
From Middle English 'suffisaunce', from Old French 'suffisance', from Latin 'sufficiens' (present participle of 'sufficere' – to be sufficient, from 'sub-' meaning 'up to, near' and 'facere' – to make, do).
The word 'sufficiency' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to being adequate or competent. Over time, its meaning evolved to also encompass 'having enough' or 'being sufficient'. It has been frequently used in religious and philosophical texts related to virtue and contentment.
Memory tip
Think of 'enough'. Sufficiency means you have enough of what you need.