Main Entry: de·fi·cien·cy

Pronunciation: \di-ˈfi-shən-sē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural de·fi·cien·cies

Date: 1603

1 : the quality or state of being deficient : inadequacy
2 : an amount that is lacking or inadequate : shortage: as a : a shortage of substances necessary to health b : deletion 2b(1)