deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfi-shən-sē 
plural deficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being defective or of lacking some necessary quality or element : the quality or state of being deficient : inadequacy
suffers from a deficiency of critical thinking
2
: an amount that is lacking or inadequate : shortage
staffing deficiencies
: such as
a
: a shortage of substances necessary to health
a vitamin C deficiency
hormone deficiencies
b
genetics
: deletion sense 2b(1)
Synonyms
Examples of deficiency in a Sentence
The disease may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
The book's major deficiency is its poor plot.
a deficiency of vitamin C
There are several deficiencies in his plan.
The accident was caused by deficiencies in the engine.
Recent Examples on the Web
Finally, it should also be noted that alcohol consumption can also contribute to magnesium deficiency.
—
Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
Where is Sura Ali now? Praised for her quiet confidence, Sura Ali brought her A-game to every challenge on Rhythm + Flow — despite also battling health issues from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024
Staff Guidance provides an overview of the requirements of QC 1000 and staff guidance for firms about how to comply with the standard, while AS 2901 Staff Guidance addresses responding to engagement deficiencies in an auditor’s report.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
If needed, information on applying boron as a nutrient can be obtained by doing a search for boron deficiency in palms.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
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Ana Morales, Vogue, 5 Dec. 2024
Where is Sura Ali now? Praised for her quiet confidence, Sura Ali brought her A-game to every challenge on Rhythm + Flow — despite also battling health issues from a vitamin B12 deficiency.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024
Staff Guidance provides an overview of the requirements of QC 1000 and staff guidance for firms about how to comply with the standard, while AS 2901 Staff Guidance addresses responding to engagement deficiencies in an auditor’s report.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
If needed, information on applying boron as a nutrient can be obtained by doing a search for boron deficiency in palms.
—Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency
Dictionary Entries Near deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural deficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being deficient
2
: the quality or state of being inadequate
especially
: a shortage of substances necessary to health
Medical Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural deficiencies
1
: a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2
: deletion
Legal Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfi-shən-sē
plural deficiencies
: an amount that is lacking or inadequate: as
a
: the difference between the amount of tax owed and the amount of tax paid
b
: the difference between the amount owed under a security agreement and the amount the creditor is able to recover upon default of the debtor by selling the collateral
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