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
They can be triggered by an array of factors, including hormonal fluctuations, bright lights, loud noises, gluten, dairy, chocolate and magnesium deficiency.
—
Emily Burns, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024
These are deficiencies that have prevented him from playing as a centre forward in the past.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Ideally, surrounding her with athleticism at every position will hide some of her defensive deficiencies.
—Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Relying too heavily on supplements rather than getting nutrients from whole foods can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and/or imbalances.
—Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
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Emily Burns, WWD, 26 Nov. 2024
These are deficiencies that have prevented him from playing as a centre forward in the past.
—Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024
Ideally, surrounding her with athleticism at every position will hide some of her defensive deficiencies.
—Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024
Relying too heavily on supplements rather than getting nutrients from whole foods can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and/or imbalances.
—Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 25 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 2 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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