Definition of Sufficiency
Quick Meaning of Sufficiency
Being enough or adequate; having sufficient cause to produce an effect.
Detailed Definition of Sufficiency
The quality of being enough or adequate; being sufficient as a cause or condition; possessing what is needed to achieve an effect or satisfy a requirement.
How to Pronounce Sufficiency
Stress pattern: o (1-syllable word).
Tip: Pronounced as /səˈfɪʃənsi/
Watch out: See pronunciation guide
Origin and Etymology of Sufficiency
From Latin sufficentia (adequacy). Logical and causal concept.
How to Use Sufficiency in a Sentence
Each example shows “sufficiency” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Sufficiency requires a condition capable of producing the effect.”
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“Heating is a sufficient condition; yet sufficiency doesn't guarantee the outcome.”
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“Philosophers distinguish sufficiency from necessity in causal analysis.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Sufficiency
Common Synonyms for Sufficiency
Smart Synonyms for Sufficiency — When to Use Each
- necessity
- What is required versus what suffices
- causation
- Relationship involving sufficient and necessary causes
- condition
- That which suffices as a condition
Antonyms of Sufficiency
Common Collocations with Sufficiency
These phrases pair with “sufficiency” in everyday English:
- sufficient condition
- sufficient cause
- sufficiency of
- necessity and sufficiency
Common Mistakes When Using Sufficiency
Even fluent speakers slip up with “sufficiency”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Sufficiency means necessary and sufficient together
- ✓ Correct: Sufficiency is its own distinct causal relation
- Why: Something can be sufficient without being necessary
- ✗ Wrong: Only one thing can be sufficient for an effect
- ✓ Correct: Multiple different things can each be sufficient
- Why: Causation allows for multiple sufficient conditions
- ✗ Wrong: Sufficient cause guarantees the effect will occur
- ✓ Correct: Sufficient causes typically produce their effects unless blocked
- Why: Sufficiency assumes normal conditions
Other Forms of Sufficiency
- Noun: sufficiency
Frequently Asked Questions About Sufficiency
What is the meaning of "Sufficiency"?
Being enough or adequate; having sufficient cause to produce an effect.
How do you pronounce "Sufficiency"?
The IPA is /səˈfɪʃənsi/. Pronounced as /səˈfɪʃənsi/
What part of speech is "Sufficiency"?
"Sufficiency" is a noun at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Sufficiency"?
Common synonyms include adequacy, enough, completeness.
How do you use "Sufficiency" in a sentence?
For example: "Sufficiency requires a condition capable of producing the effect."