What does sufficiently mean?
Sufficiently is an adverb meaning “to an adequate extent” or “enough.” It is used when a quality, quantity, or level needs to meet a particular requirement, as in “the explanation was sufficiently detailed to be useful” or “the candidate was sufficiently experienced for the position.” The word often appears in formal, instructional, professional, and technical writing, but it is also fully understandable in everyday speech. Unlike the adjective sufficient, which describes something as being enough, sufficiently modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb and indicates the degree to which an action or quality applies. It can suggest that a threshold has been met without implying excellence. Related forms include suffice, sufficient, and sufficiency. Because it combines a clear Latin-based root with the English adverbial suffix -ly, it conveys both adequacy and a measured, precise degree.
adverbTo an extent or degree that is enough to meet a requirement or achieve a desired result. It means adequately or in a sufficient manner.
- To an extent that is enough to satisfy a requirement, need, or standard; adequately.
- In a manner that provides enough support, strength, clarity, or qualification for a particular purpose.
"The instructions were sufficiently clear for everyone to complete the task."
"The bridge was sufficiently strong to support heavy traffic."
"Applicants must be sufficiently qualified for the technical role."
Say “sufficiently” and you have moved from asking whether a standard is met to describing how well it is met.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sufficiently come from?
Sufficiently was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to sufficient. The adjective sufficient comes through Old French from Latin sufficient-, a form of sufficere, meaning “to suffice” or “to be enough.” Latin sufficere is related to facere, “to make or do,” and broadly conveys the idea of making something enough for a purpose. The same Latin root underlies forms such as suffice, sufficiency, insufficient, and insufficiency.
Related word forms
How sufficiently is actually used
Formally neutral, though it can sound somewhat administrative or technical in ordinary conversation. It is especially common in formal, instructional, and professional contexts.
Easily confused with sufficiently
Sufficient is an adjective describing whether something is enough, while sufficiently is an adverb modifying a verb or another adverb.