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

London might have been swinging for other residents, but Palmer still lived in a neighborhood filled with post-War deprivation. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

Inmates are frequently subjected to punishments including food deprivation and electric shocks. —Mneesha Gellman, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025

Studies show that sleep deprivation leads to brain stress, cloudy thinking and decision fatigue, plus fragmented sleep signals a vulnerability to social stress. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Research highlights a direct link between chronic sleep deprivation and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. —Lia Miller, Parents, 14 Mar. 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

Rhymes for deprivation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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