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
Young and the Panthers remain plagued by deficiencies, but the young quarterback can help elevate his team with better individual play, which largely comes down to decision-making and poise.
—
Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Maasai had vitamin A and C deficiencies due to meat and dairy exclusivity.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
B vitamins have been reported to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and depression associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Aside from not having Worthy, the most significant concern for the Chiefs coming out of Brazil was deficiencies in the pass defense, which saw Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throw for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Maasai had vitamin A and C deficiencies due to meat and dairy exclusivity.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
B vitamins have been reported to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and depression associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
—Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
Aside from not having Worthy, the most significant concern for the Chiefs coming out of Brazil was deficiencies in the pass defense, which saw Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throw for 318 yards and three touchdowns.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 11 Sep. 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 18 Sep. 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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