sufficient condition

noun

1
: a proposition whose truth assures the truth of another proposition
2
: a state of affairs whose existence assures the existence of another state of affairs

Examples of sufficient condition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For Wallerstein, these were the necessary and sufficient conditions to render capitalism a self-perpetuating machine. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Still, an ethical CEO is a necessary but not sufficient condition for an ethical business culture. Bruce Weinstein, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 But being recognized as possessing rights tends to be a necessary but not sufficient condition for being recognized as a potential property owner: a crested macaque has certain rights, including the right not to be treated cruelly, but cannot hold property. Michelle Weber, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024 In other words, rejecting a belief in God is by no means a sufficient condition for identifying as an atheist. Katie Corcoran, The Conversation, 6 May 2024 My view is that sentience, or the ability to suffer, would be a sufficient condition, but not a necessary condition, for an AI system to have moral status. Will Knight, WIRED, 2 May 2024 Until now, Australians have always seen that predominance as both the necessary and the sufficient condition for their security on the edge of Asia. Hugh White, Foreign Affairs, 4 Sep. 2013

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sufficient condition was in 1885

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Cite this Entry

“Sufficient condition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sufficient%20condition. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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