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)
Synonyms
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
Nutritional Deficiencies: Rapid or excessive weight loss can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals critical for bone health, which is a concern for postmenopausal women.
—
Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 Jan. 2025
Address any nutrient deficiencies by applying a slow-release fertilizer according to soil test results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2025
The justices said the clerk provided voters with reasonable notice and opportunity to correct the deficiency on their ballot envelopes.
—Ayanna Alexander, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2024
Iron deficiency, another byproduct of nutrient-poor crops, is the leading cause of anemia worldwide, affecting 1.62 billion people according to a National Institute of Health report.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
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Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 Jan. 2025
Address any nutrient deficiencies by applying a slow-release fertilizer according to soil test results.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2025
The justices said the clerk provided voters with reasonable notice and opportunity to correct the deficiency on their ballot envelopes.
—Ayanna Alexander, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2024
Iron deficiency, another byproduct of nutrient-poor crops, is the leading cause of anemia worldwide, affecting 1.62 billion people according to a National Institute of Health report.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency
Dictionary Entries Near deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 15 Jan. 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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