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

Scientists from the Department of Psychology at the University of York, United Kingdom, aimed to uncover how sleep deprivation leads to intrusive thoughts. —Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2025

Over the years, experts have found that differences in brain structure or function, genetic variations and mutations, and medical complications (e.g. extreme prematurity, oxygen deprivation at birth, and certain maternal health issues) all seem to play a role. —Cassie Shortsleeve, SELF, 19 Feb. 2025

Sleeping the necessary seven to nine hours is like making a deposit, and any deprivation (that is, being awake more than 17 hours in a row) is like spending. —Ashley Abramson, Allure, 18 Feb. 2025

From deconstructed pianos to sensory deprivation rooms that play her sermons to colorful laser projections, Coltrane’s legacy is in the hands of these American artists. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 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