What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adequacy
Example
The adequacy of the equipment was questioned after it malfunctioned during the experiment. [adequacy: noun]
Example
The company's response to the crisis was deemed adequate by the public. [adequate: adjective]
sufficiency
Example
The sufficiency of the food supply was questioned after the storm caused damage to the crops. [sufficiency: noun]
Example
The evidence presented was deemed sufficient to prove the defendant's guilt. [sufficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adequacy is more commonly used than sufficiency in everyday language, but both words are used in discussions of quality control or meeting requirements.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between adequacy and sufficiency?
Both adequacy and sufficiency are formal words that are often used in professional or academic settings, such as business or scientific reports.
