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
Sanger says that iron supplements are often prescribed to those diagnosed with iron deficiency, consume little to no animal products, struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, had surgery, or been injured.
—
Audrey Noble, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
Vitamin B12 deficiency affected 22 percent overall, and 29 percent of people taking metformin.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Relying solely on watermelon, which is low in fat, protein, and several other essential nutrients, may lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fatigue, to name a few.
—Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2025
Guests will receive detailed digital assessments and live feedback on areas like nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders and stress, factors that may prevent the body from reaching its full potential.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
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Audrey Noble, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
Vitamin B12 deficiency affected 22 percent overall, and 29 percent of people taking metformin.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 29 Jan. 2025
Relying solely on watermelon, which is low in fat, protein, and several other essential nutrients, may lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fatigue, to name a few.
—Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2025
Guests will receive detailed digital assessments and live feedback on areas like nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders and stress, factors that may prevent the body from reaching its full potential.
—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 23 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 5 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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