What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
suffice
Example
A simple apology will suffice. [suffice: verb]
Example
The information provided should suffice for our needs. [suffice: verb]
adequate
Example
The company provided adequate training for its employees. [adequate: adjective]
Example
The resources available are adequate for the project. [adequate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adequate is more commonly used than suffice in everyday language. Adequate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while suffice is less common and often used in specific situations where meeting the minimum requirements is emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between suffice and adequate?
Adequate is more formal than suffice. It is often used in professional or academic settings where precision and accuracy are important.
