deficient

1 of 2

adjective

de·​fi·​cient di-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce deficient (audio)
1
: lacking in some necessary quality or element
deficient in judgment
bones deficient in calcium
2
: not up to a normal standard or complement (see complement entry 1 sense 1b(1)) : defective
deficient strength
… rusted and aging pipes … abetted by deficient maintenance and sabotage.Adam Nossiter
deficiently adverb

deficient

2 of 2

noun

: a person or thing that is deficient

Examples of deficient in a Sentence

Adjective Several bridges in the city are structurally deficient. a diet deficient in calcium can lead to weak bones
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The heavy losses underscore that Russia’s offensive capabilities are still deficient when trying to overwhelm prepared Ukrainian defenses. Dara Massicot, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024 Magnesium supplementation could help improve insulin sensitivity in women with normal or deficient levels of magnesium.5 Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. Casey Seiden, Parents, 24 Feb. 2024 Yet vitamin D and magnesium deficiencies can be common; one study suggests that as many as half of all Americans are deficient in the latter. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 24 Jan. 2024 Of course, vitamin D is also available in supplement form for those who may be deficient. Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 The whistleblowers’ filings arrive as regulators are increasing scrutiny on deficient anti-money laundering practices. Gretchen Morgenson, NBC News, 16 Feb. 2024 Magnesium is a critical element in our bodies, and one many people are deficient in. Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 And, Holder asks, if a doctor trained in Florida goes on to practice in another state, will their skills be deficient? Danielle McLean, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Advertisement Mayor Todd Gloria said city crews were working Friday on replacing signage, pavement markings and flex posts that were identified as deficient by inspectors and would work through the weekend if necessary. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2024
Noun
The first vote began after 4 p.m. and ended up being counted by hand, anyway, when officials deemed the vote-counting machines deficient. The Arizona Republic, 27 Jan. 2024 People in certain age groups may also be more likely to become magnesium deficient, Gans said. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2023 People who are not magnesium deficient should not start taking a magnesium supplement without consulting a healthcare provider. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2023 One study found that nearly 41% of people are vitamin D deficient and 22% are moderately deficient.1 These deficiencies, if not addressed, can impact bone health leading to fractures as well as play a role in heart health, autoimmune disease risk, and cognitive function. Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Oct. 2023 Vitamin d will not help to relieve inflammation directly, but becoming vitamin d deficient can also cause your testosterone levels to dip and your joints to become more prone to damage and inflammation. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023 His working hypothesis, however, is that if someone is vitamin D deficient, their immune response may not be as robust as someone with normal levels. Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 28 Sep. 2023 Research suggests that 35% to 45% of the world's population is iodine deficient. Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2023 Vitamin d supplementation will stop you from becoming vitamin d deficient, preventing arthritis symptoms from getting any worse and providing modest pain relief (1). Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 14 Aug. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin dēficient-, dēficiens, present participle of dēficere "to leave without enough, let down, be lacking, run short, fail," from dē- de- + facere "to make, bring about, perform, do" — more at fact

Noun

derivative of deficient entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficient was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near deficient

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

deficient

adjective
de·​fi·​cient
di-ˈfish-ənt
: lacking something necessary for completeness : not up to a given or normal standard
a diet deficient in proteins
deficient in their knowledge of history
deficiently adverb

Medical Definition

deficient

adjective
de·​fi·​cient di-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce deficient (audio)
1
: lacking in some necessary quality or element
a deficient diet
2
: not up to a normal standard or complement
deficient strength
3
: having, relating to, or characterized by a genetic deletion

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