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)
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
This combination — of high temperatures and metal deficiency — could explain why metal lines were absent in current observations.
—
Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
However, vitamin deficiencies can negatively affect hair health.1 Foods high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fat-soluble vitamins, and B-complex vitamins—such as leafy greens, eggs, and fatty fish—aid hair growth.2
1.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025
But the supplement is mostly a supportive treatment in children with vitamin deficiencies, and taking too much can cause toxicity.
—Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
The company reported a working capital deficiency of approximately $34,000,000 as of December 31, 2024.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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show current usage.
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Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
However, vitamin deficiencies can negatively affect hair health.1 Foods high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fat-soluble vitamins, and B-complex vitamins—such as leafy greens, eggs, and fatty fish—aid hair growth.2
1.
—Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025
But the supplement is mostly a supportive treatment in children with vitamin deficiencies, and taking too much can cause toxicity.
—Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025
The company reported a working capital deficiency of approximately $34,000,000 as of December 31, 2024.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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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