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Sufficient vs Inadequate - What's the difference?

sufficient | inadequate |

As adjectives the difference between sufficient and inadequate

is that sufficient is equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as while inadequate is not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.

As a determiner sufficient

is the smallest amount needed.

sufficient

English

(Webster 1913)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as,
    • We have provision sufficient for the family
    This army is sufficient to defend the country.
    There is not sufficient access to the internet in the some small country villages.
  • Possessing adequate talents or accomplishments; of competent power or ability; qualified; fit.
    • A two-week training course is sufficient to get a job in the coach-driving profession.
  • (archaic) Capable of meeting obligations; responsible.
  • * 1668 , (Samuel Pepys), December 23 1668
    • ...to take the best ways we can, to make it known to the Duke of York; for, till Sir J. Minnes be removed, and a sufficient man brought into W. Pen's place, when he is gone, it is impossible for this Office ever to support itself.
  • self-sufficient; self-satisfied; content.

    • Derived terms

    * self-sufficient * sufficiency * sufficiently

    Related terms

    * suffice

    See also

    * adequate * ample * enough * plenty

    Determiner

    (en determiner)
  • The smallest amount needed.
    • Sufficient of us are against this idea that we should stop now.

    Statistics

    *

    External links

    * * * ----

    inadequate

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.
  • * 2013 June 18, , " Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):
    • In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate .