Synonyms of deficiency

deficiency

noun

di-ˈfi-shən-sē 

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number

there is a deficiency of fresh food in the diet of many of the working poor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shortage
• lack
• deficit
• insufficiency
• scarcity
• inadequacy
• absence
• drought
• paucity
• poverty
• famine
• drouth
• lacuna
• failure
• dearth
• inadequateness
• undersupply
• scantiness
• crunch
• omission
• pinch
• scarceness
• necessity
• want
• meagerness
• privation
• skimpiness
• poorness
• need

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adequacy
• sufficiency
• abundance
• amplitude
• wealth
• plenty
• opulence
• plenitude
• surplus
• excess
• overabundance
• oversupply
• copiousness
• surfeit
• bountifulness

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of deficiency

While the school addressed some deficiencies from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 inspections, many remained unresolved, and those that were resolved were not corrected in a timely manner. —Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024

People who have nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, also tend to absorb more lead and have higher blood lead levels. —Katarzyna Kordas, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2024

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