sufficiency

noun

suf·​fi·​cien·​cy sə-ˈfi-shən(t)-sē How to pronounce sufficiency (audio)
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

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 For example, candidates might be asked to determine the best approach to auditing a company’s inventory or to evaluate the sufficiency of audit evidence provided for a particular financial statement assertion. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2024 What makes his classes different from many other off-road experiences is the focus on self- sufficiency and on-trail fixes. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 27 Aug. 2023 Embracing the sufficiency mindset The sufficiency mindset revolves around acknowledging and prioritizing our core needs (physical, emotional, mental, social, and purpose-driven), as well as our sense of volition (having control over these things). Jean Gomes, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2023 As the world continues to evolve, embracing a sufficiency mindset becomes a powerful tool for leaders and individuals. Jean Gomes, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2023 China’s long-term goal is self sufficiency in all advanced technology, including semiconductors. Greg Ip, WSJ, 7 Dec. 2022 The next court hearing will be held May 12, during which the sufficiency to clarify the details in the indictment will be heard, according to Small. Nick Valencia, CNN, 11 Apr. 2023 The stress tests evaluate the sufficiency of this capital cushion under different economic scenarios. Nate Dicamillo, Quartz, 28 June 2023 The former president’s lawyers are likely to challenge the sufficiency of the indictment itself as grounds to dismiss the case. Ann E. Marimow, Rosalind S. Helderman and Josh Dawsey, The Washington Post, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sufficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sufficiency was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near sufficiency

Cite this Entry

“Sufficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sufficiency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

sufficiency

noun
suf·​fi·​cien·​cy sə-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce sufficiency (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sufficiency

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