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deficient

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deficient

Main Entry: ¹de·fi·cient

Pronunciation: \di-ˈfi-shənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin deficient-, deficiens, present participle of deficere to be wanting — more at defect

Date: 1581

1 : lacking in some necessary quality or element <deficient in judgment>
2 : not up to a normal standard or complement : defective <deficient strength>

— de·fi·cient·ly adverb

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