deficiency

noun

de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

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 This wasn’t the first time the independent investigators found deficiencies, which date back to the introduction of the my Social Security portal in 2012. Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024 The biggest headline-grabber has been the spike in audit deficiencies and enforcement penalties it’s recorded. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2024 Being underweight increases the risk of bone less, delayed wound healing, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, heart irregularities, bone vessel disease and the loss of periods, troubles getting pregnant, depression and osteoporosis in women. Arianna Johnson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Around 41 percent of Americans are believed to have a deficiency, which can be linked to chronic illness according to some studies. Philipp Wehsack, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024 These are found in red cell genotypes that protect against malaria-like, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, G6PD deficiency, and others, according to a study published in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024 In contrast to the obsessive coverage of Biden’s age, there is comparatively little coverage of Trump’s obvious deficiencies in that department. Jamelle Bouie, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2024 This deficiency hampers their capacity to enact vital adjustments to their production systems, thereby heightening the vulnerability of agricultural livelihoods and local food systems. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Recreational nitrous oxide use can lead to vitamin B12 inactivation and deficiency, according to a 2020 study published by the National Institutes of Health. Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficiency was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near deficiency

Cite this Entry

“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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 How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
plural deficiencies
1
: a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2

Legal Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on deficiency

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