deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən 

also

ˌdē-ˌprī- 

1

: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation

especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice

2

: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss

overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods

the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Synonyms

• lack
• loss
• privation
• denial

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some research shows creatine may help with mood disorders, potentially including postpartum depression, in addition to countering sleep deprivation. —Matt Fuchs, Time, 2 Sep. 2025

Haley was found guilty of two counts of deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury and two counts of tampering with a witness, victim or informant. —Phil Helsel, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2025

Put it that way, and sensory deprivation sounded like a panic attack waiting to happen. —Blair Braverman, Outside Online, 27 Aug. 2025

London was the exception, where playgrounds were plentiful and easy to reach, and there was no clear pattern between playground size and deprivation. —Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deprivation

• androgen deprivation therapy
• self-deprivation

Rhymes for deprivation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun

de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən  ˌdē-ˌprī- 

: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being

his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivation

—Jack Fincher

sleep deprivation