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
Folate deficiency causes a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia.
—
Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend bloodwork or supplements to address specific deficiencies or nutrient losses related to certain medications.
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 4 June 2026
The news came as a shock, given that the government had never identified serious deficiencies in the management of NCAR and its associated supercomputing center in Wyoming.
—ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
In cultures where menopause is framed primarily as decline, deficiency, or loss, some experts question whether women may internalize those expectations differently than in cultures where aging is viewed more positively.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend bloodwork or supplements to address specific deficiencies or nutrient losses related to certain medications.
—Brianna Tobritzhofer, Health, 4 June 2026
The news came as a shock, given that the government had never identified serious deficiencies in the management of NCAR and its associated supercomputing center in Wyoming.
—ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026
In cultures where menopause is framed primarily as decline, deficiency, or loss, some experts question whether women may internalize those expectations differently than in cultures where aging is viewed more positively.
—Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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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