deficiency

noun

de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company identified deficiencies in its internal control structure, citing inadequate staffing and supervision within accounting operations as a primary concern. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 But a fight in the Pacific is not the only scenario the United States must be prepared for (and, ideally, deter), and readiness in other arenas will require addressing other deficiencies. Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024 Coco Gauff also said goodbye to Brad Gilbert and despite an initial upsurge in form immediately afterwards, the technical deficiencies on serve continue to be egregious. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 This year, the Fed has taken action against United Texas Bank and Customers Bank for providing services to firms in the cryptocurrency business — each for anti-money laundering deficiencies. Brady Dale, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deficiency 

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficiency was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near deficiency

Cite this Entry

“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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 How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
plural deficiencies
1
: a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2

Legal Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on deficiency

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