deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən 

also

ˌdē-ˌprī- 

1

: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation

especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice

2

: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss

overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods

the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Synonyms

• loss
• privation

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.

Recent Examples on the Web

After more than a year of bombardment and deprivation, all of Gaza’s children are in urgent need of support UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell issued a statement on Jan. 15, 2025 welcoming the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. —Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2025

Scrolling TikTok is the visual equivalent of a sensory deprivation tank, the adult version of transfixed toddlers staring at an iPad. —Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 10 Jan. 2025

The lawsuit names a handful of counts against the university, including violations of the Civil Rights Act, discrimination, breach of contract and deprivation of procedural due process. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deprivation

• androgen deprivation therapy
• self-deprivation

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun

de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən  ˌdē-ˌprī- 

: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being

his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivation

—Jack Fincher

sleep deprivation