With how vast the English language is, we can’t help but have overlapping words. And synonyms can be a real headache, especially in determining which word is more appropriate to use in a given context. Like, is ‘sufficient’ better, or is ‘enough’ more appropriate? Well, let’s explore and see.
What Is The Difference Between ‘Sufficient’ And ‘Enough?’
‘Sufficient’ and ‘enough’ are synonymous in meaning which is having an amount of something that is as much as needed or necessary. The difference between the two is more in forms and technical usages. ‘Enough’ can be an adverb or a determiner, while ‘sufficient’ is used as an adjective only.
‘Sufficient’ and ‘enough’ both mean having an amount of something that is as needed or as necessary in a situation. However, there are a few technicalities that make one more appropriate than the other in a given situation.
First, ‘enough’ usually talks more about amounts of physical things while ‘sufficient’ is used, for example, to say ‘sufficient talent.’ Take a look at the example below.
- She has sufficient skills to lead this project.
- She has enough skills to lead this project.
While both phrases are grammatically correct, saying ‘sufficient skills’ seems more comfortable to speak in this context, as we talk about the person’s amount of skills.
On the other hand, instead of saying ‘she has enough skills,’ we can say the alternative below.
- She is skilled enough to lead this project.
This is another difference between ‘sufficient’ and ‘enough.’ ‘Enough’ is also sometimes used as an adverb to describe that an action has been done or is done to the needed extent. Look at the example below.
- She is skilled sufficiently to lead this project.
As an adverb, ‘sufficient’ becomes ‘sufficiently.’ So, unlike ‘enough,’ we do not use ‘sufficient’ itself as an adverb. Instead, we have to transform it to ‘sufficiently.’
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What Does ‘Sufficient’ Mean?
‘Sufficient’ means having enough amount of something necessary or needed for a given purpose. We use ‘sufficient’ as an adjective, and we use it to describe amounts of both physical and non-physical things. So, we can say ‘sufficient space,’ ‘sufficient skills,’ and the like.
‘Sufficient’ is an adjective used mostly as a technical term and in a more formal context. However, it is still flexible as it applies to both physical and non-physical nouns. To say ‘sufficient stocks’ and ‘sufficient talent’ both work.
However, the word ‘sufficient’ only works as an adjective in any context. As a verb, it takes on the form ‘suffice,’ while as an adverb, it takes on the form ‘sufficiently.’ So, ‘sufficient’ is used as an adjective solely.
Below are more examples of using ‘sufficient’ in a sentence.
- I don’t have sufficient talent to lead this surgery.
- We have sufficient supply to last until the end of this month.
- There wasn’t sufficient evidence to proclaim him guilty.
- The catering will be sufficient for the whole staff.
- There has been a sufficient rise in the sales this month.
- She has sufficient skills to present and report to the CEO.
- Will this much preparation be sufficient for the test?
What Does ‘Enough’ Mean?
‘Enough’ means having as much as necessary of something. We use ‘enough’ as an adjective, an adverb, a determiner, an exclamation, and even a pronoun. While it generally means having as much as necessary, as an exclamation, it usually means having more than expected or wanted.
‘Enough’ is a versatile word that is applicable for both formal and informal contexts and is used more comfortably in daily conversations. As an adjective or an adverb, it means having something as much as necessary, or to the necessary degree. Take a look at these examples below.
- There is enough food on the table for all of us.
- The water just warmed hot enough for the coffee.
However, as a pronoun, a determiner, and an exclamation, ‘enough’ can mean totally different. It can mean having more than what one wanted or expected. Informally, it could mean wanting someone to stop because something has become too much. Take a look at the examples below.
- I already have enough work to do. I can’t take another one.
- Enough already! You’re starting to annoy me.
In the examples above, it is clear that ‘enough’ is used differently from ‘enough’ which means having a sufficient amount of something. The way ‘enough’ is used in the examples above is acceptable in informal contexts.
Below are more examples of using ‘enough’ in a sentence.
- I’ve eaten enough. I’m really full.
- Did you get enough sleep last night?
- Do we have enough food for everyone?
- I’ve heard enough. Please keep quiet now.
- Thirty volunteers per area should be enough for the event.
- I don’t think she’s skilled enough to take the lead.
- Weirdly enough, I didn’t see her anywhere today.
Is ‘Sufficient Enough’ Redundant?
‘Sufficient enough’ is redundant because ‘sufficient’ and ‘enough’ are synonymous and they both mean the same thing. It’s like saying ‘sufficient sufficient’ or ‘enough enough.’ So, we should pick one between the two words and say ‘sufficient’ solely or ‘enough’ only. ‘Sufficient enough’ is not appropriate in whatever context.
Is ‘Sufficient’ Formal?
‘Sufficient’ is a formal word, and it is also a more technical term and synonym for ‘enough.’ We usually hear ‘synonym’ in formal contexts like office meetings and the like. Though some people also use the word in daily conversations, ‘sufficient’ is considered formal and technical.
Does ‘Suffice’ And ‘Sufficient’ Mean The Same?
‘Suffice’ and ‘sufficient’ mean the same and they are also of the same root, just different forms. ‘Suffice’ is in the verb form, while ‘sufficient’ is in the adjective form. However, both mean the same, which is having an amount of something, enough as deemed necessary.
Take a look at the two examples below.
- Five tables shall suffice for all of us.
- Five tables are sufficient for all of us.
In the two sentences above, ‘suffice’ is used as a verb while ‘sufficient’ is used as an adjective. However, both mean the same that the five tables are enough or are adequate to sit all of the people.
What Does ‘Adequate’ Mean Compared To ‘Sufficient’ And ‘Enough?’
‘Adequate’ is synonymous with ‘enough’ and ‘sufficient’ in terms of meaning that there is enough amount of something as necessary or needed. However, ‘adequate’ has different implications, especially in terms of evaluation. ‘Adequate’ can also mean good enough but not excellent. This is different, especially from what ‘sufficient’ implies.
Take a look at the examples below.
- The examinee had an adequate exam score.
- The examinee had a sufficient exam score.
In the sentences above, ‘adequate’ seems to have a more negative connotation that may imply that the examinee passed but did not really excel. ‘Sufficient,’ on the other hand, does not make that implication and simply expresses that the examinee did good enough.
‘Sufficient’ And ‘Enough’ Synonyms
Below are synonyms of ‘sufficient’ and ‘enough.’
- Adequate
- Satisfactory
- Ample
- Suitable
- Acceptable (amount)
Martin Lassen
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
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FAQs
What is the difference between sufficient and enough? ›
The word enough, has a more general and comprehensive meaning; the word sufficient, a more limited and particular one. An hour at table, is, certainly, sufficient, for our nourishment; but, not enough, for some persons pleasure or satisfaction.
How do you use enough and sufficient in a sentence? ›- There was easily enough food for every one. There was a sufficient amount of food.
What is enough example? ›Adverb I couldn't run fast enough to catch up with her. She's old enough to know better. Are you rich enough to retire? That's good enough for me.
What is the meaning of sufficient answer? ›1 enough to meet a need or purpose; adequate. 2 (Logic) (of a condition) assuring the truth of a statement; requiring but not necessarily required by some other state of affairs.
What is the true meaning of enough? ›Enough is an adjective that describes something that is adequate for an intended purpose. Enough is also used as an adverb to mean sufficiently or fully. Enough also has senses as a pronoun and an interjection. Enough describes something as being adequate or sufficient.
Is Enough is enough meaning? ›used to say that one wants something to stop because one can no longer accept or deal with it. I don't mind lending her a bit of money now and then, but enough is enough!
How do you use enough examples? ›enough comes after adjectives and adverbs. I'm not tall enough to reach the top shelf. Your marks are good enough to study engineering at university. I couldn't write quickly enough and I ran out of time.
What does sufficient mean in a sentence? ›enough for a particular purpose: This recipe should be sufficient for five people. It was thought that he'd committed the crime but there wasn't sufficient evidence to convict him.
What are different ways to say enough? ›- sufficiently.
- adequately.
- properly.
- moderately.
- fairly.
- satisfactorily.
- suitably.
- decently.
If you say that you have had enough, you mean that you are unhappy with a situation and you want it to stop.
Is not Enough example? ›
The phrase “not enough” is obviously a negative form of that – and it shows that things are not satisfactory! For example: “There is not enough bread for the entire group to eat.” It is usually used to indicate that the level is less than satisfactory – it would not be used if it was in excess.
What is the example of too and enough? ›Examples. He is too old to play football with the kids. Dave is intelligent enough to do the write thing. I don't have enough time.
Is not sufficient enough meaning? ›not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required: an insufficient answer. deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate: insufficient protection.
What's better than sufficient? ›Some common synonyms of plentiful are abundant, ample, and copious. While all these words mean "more than sufficient without being excessive," plentiful implies a great or rich supply.
What Does not sufficient mean? ›not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required. an insufficient answer. 2. deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate.
Was good enough meaning? ›adequately good for the circumstances. “if it's good enough for you it's good enough for me” Synonyms: good. having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified.
What is enough used for? ›Enough is a determiner, a pronoun or an adverb. We use enough to mean 'as much as we need or want'.
Are enough VS is enough? ›If "enough" means a sufficient quantity of people in a countable sense, it would be "are": "1 or 2 friends are enough to move the couch." If "enough" means sufficiency for a qualitative criterion, it would be "is": "1 or 2 friends is enough to make me happy."
When I will be enough meaning? ›You are enough means that you don't have to strive to become more worthy, more valid, more acceptable, or more loved. You already are all of those things. There are things you might want to be more of.
At what point do we say enough is enough? ›something you say when you want something to stop: Enough is enough - I don't want to argue with you any more.
At what point do you say enough is enough? ›
One way to know when enough is enough in a relationship is if you realize that your partner does not value you. When couples value each other, their mutual love and respect become stronger. If your partner values you, they will always seek your consent on crucial matters.
Can sentences Examples 5? ›- I can play football.
- You can sing.
- My sister can read.
- We can speak English.
- They can write the words.
- Don't drink the milk. It smells terrible.
- Has anyone seen my phone? I can't find it anywhere.
- That furniture is lovely. It isn't too expensive for us, is it?
- You know the flat with three bedrooms by the supermarket?
adjective. 1. enough to meet a need or purpose; adequate.
What is another way to say more than enough? ›Ample means enough—sufficient or adequate. It can also mean more than enough—plentiful or abundant.
What is a Synonym for true enough? ›confirmed. factual. genuine. hard. honest-to-goodness.
Did you have enough meaning? ›If you say that you have had enough, you mean that you are unhappy with a situation and you want it to stop. I had had enough of other people for one night. See full dictionary entry for enough.
Are you good enough meaning? ›used as a polite way of asking someone for a favor.
Has been kind enough meaning? ›used to make a request. Would you be kind enough to show me the way?
Would not be enough meaning? ›less than necessary, or less than you would like.
Is enough a negative? ›
Enough is used in negative sentences to mean less than sufficient or less than necessary. You're not working fast enough, you won't finish on time. Sorry, I haven't got enough food for everyone. Not enough of my friends are coming to the party.
What are 3 sentences using the adjective enough? ›She is old enough to live on her own. She didn't work hard enough to pass the test. We aren't rich enough to buy a car. Some tablet computers are small enough to fit inside your pocket.
What more than enough meaning? ›"more than enough" is an expression indicating full satisfaction or jubilant satisfaction.. On a festive occasion , sweets are being served. It was brought to you for the third time and they insist to have one more. Your belly is already full. You say this , 'enough is enough' which also means the same.
What is an example of adjective enough to verb? ›Here's an expert spoken example of 'adjective + enough + TO + infinitive': I was lucky enough to be able to say goodbye. 'Enough' is an adverb that modifies the adjective 'lucky'. 'Enough' means 'as much as needed' or in our example 'I have the amount of luck that I needed so I could say bye'.
Can we use sufficient and enough together? ›Using sufficient or enough alone is correct. Using both is incorrect.
Is sufficient a positive word? ›(formal) If something is sufficient, it means there is enough or that it is good enough. We now have a sufficient number of people to do the job.
What is a sufficient person? ›able to provide what is necessary without the help of others: a self-sufficient economy/person.
What is the opposite of sufficient? ›The opposite of sufficiency is insufficiency, meaning an inadequate amount.
How do you put sufficient in a sentence? ›A brisk walk is sufficient to raise your heart rate. There must be sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the check. Her explanation was not sufficient to satisfy the police.
What's another word for sufficiently? ›satisfactorily. adverbin a satisfactory manner. adequately. competently. convincingly.
Why is sufficient necessary? ›
A sufficient condition guarantees the truth of another condition, but is not necessary for that other condition to happen. A necessary condition is required for something else to happen, but it does not guarantee that the something else happens.
What is a better word than sufficient? ›Some common synonyms of sufficient are adequate, competent, and enough.
Is it OK to say sufficient enough? ›'Sufficient enough' is redundant. Consider using only sufficient. that this rule can detect: The money is sufficient enough to buy the pullover.
When can we use enough? ›We normally only use enough of when it is followed by a determiner or a pronoun (a/an/the, this/that, my/your/his, you/them, etc.). There isn't enough of that bread to make sandwiches for everyone. I've seen enough of his work to be able to recommend him.
Is it sufficient time or enough time? ›"Sufficient" means "enough", "an adequate amount". So "sufficient time" means the amount of time you need to get a certain job or task done.
How do you use sufficient in a sentence? ›A brisk walk is sufficient to raise your heart rate. There must be sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the check. Her explanation was not sufficient to satisfy the police.
What word is the same as enough? ›Some common synonyms of enough are adequate, competent, and sufficient. While all these words mean "being what is necessary or desirable," enough is less exact in suggestion than sufficient.
What is the meaning of more sufficient? ›enough for a particular purpose: This recipe should be sufficient for five people.
What word form is enough? ›Enough is a determiner, a pronoun or an adverb.
What does not enough mean? ›less than necessary, or less than you would like.
Has time enough meaning? ›
time enough (not comparable) (archaic) Sufficiently soon; in time.
What does not sufficient mean? ›not sufficient; lacking in what is necessary or required. an insufficient answer. 2. deficient in force, quality, or amount; inadequate.
What does have enough time mean? ›idiom. 1. : to be able to use an amount of time required for a particular purpose.