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
Anemia: Blood disorders or vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) can cause chronic anemia (low red blood cells), reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying ability.
—
Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 7 Feb. 2025
Unless Van Nistelrooy adopts a more pragmatic approach, even switching to a back five to hide the individual deficiencies these players possess defensively, Leicester may have a long wait to visit Everton’s new home.
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
What Are the Signs of a Selenium Deficiency? Selenium deficiencies are rare in the United States.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Through these profiles, the film aims to shift the narrative around sensitivities from one rooted in deficiencies or shortcomings towards one of acceptance and the embrace of differences.
—Harry Spitzer, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
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Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 7 Feb. 2025
Unless Van Nistelrooy adopts a more pragmatic approach, even switching to a back five to hide the individual deficiencies these players possess defensively, Leicester may have a long wait to visit Everton’s new home.
—Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
What Are the Signs of a Selenium Deficiency? Selenium deficiencies are rare in the United States.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 1 Feb. 2025
Through these profiles, the film aims to shift the narrative around sensitivities from one rooted in deficiencies or shortcomings towards one of acceptance and the embrace of differences.
—Harry Spitzer, Vox, 31 Jan. 2025
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 20 Feb. 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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