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
Anything that causes severe energy depletion can trigger the syndrome, including chronic life stressors, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid and stress hormone imbalances, and sleep problems.
—
Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
The plan instead centered on cerebral folate deficiency, an extremely rare genetic condition.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Not only will the test results tell you the amount of lime or elemental sulfur needed to adjust the pH of your soil, but the test will also determine any nutrient deficiencies in your lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
Experts say even mild protein deficiencies can show up in subtle ways, affecting everything from energy levels to hair and nail strength.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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Shiv Sudhakar, FOXNews.com, 20 Dec. 2025
The plan instead centered on cerebral folate deficiency, an extremely rare genetic condition.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Not only will the test results tell you the amount of lime or elemental sulfur needed to adjust the pH of your soil, but the test will also determine any nutrient deficiencies in your lawn.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025
Experts say even mild protein deficiencies can show up in subtle ways, affecting everything from energy levels to hair and nail strength.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 18 Dec. 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 23 Dec. 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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