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
Iodine deficiency can be serious, but is eminently treatable.
—
Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
If children have a vitamin A deficiency, the vitamin can be given alongside other supportive care for a patient with the measles.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Kennedy described how CDC has been on the ground in West Texas and discussed the use of cod liver oil, which has high amounts of vitamins A and D.
However, vitamin A is most useful for measles support in patients who have a specific deficiency.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
If children have a vitamin A deficiency, the vitamin can be given alongside other supportive care for a patient with the measles.
—Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Kennedy described how CDC has been on the ground in West Texas and discussed the use of cod liver oil, which has high amounts of vitamins A and D.
However, vitamin A is most useful for measles support in patients who have a specific deficiency.
—Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 5 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 12 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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