What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Proficient vs Sufficient - What's the difference?

proficient | sufficient |

As adjectives the difference between proficient and sufficient

is that proficient is good at; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill while sufficient is equal to the end proposed; adequate to wants; enough; ample; competent; as.

As a noun proficient

is an expert.

As a determiner sufficient is

the smallest amount needed.

proficient

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Good at; skilled; fluent; practiced, especially in relation to a task or skill.
  • He was a proficient writer with an interest in human nature.
  • * 1912 : (Edgar Rice Burroughs), (Tarzan of the Apes), Chapter 5
  • By constant playing and experimenting with these he learned to tie rude knots, and make sliding nooses; and with these he and the younger apes amused themselves. What Tarzan did they tried to do also, but he alone originated and became proficient .

    Synonyms

    * (good at) skilled, fluent, practiced

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An expert.
  • Synonyms

    * (expert) expert; see also

    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

    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

    *