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)
Synonyms
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
Worse still, their adaptive responses may even be misinterpreted as personal failings or professional deficiencies of individual Black professionals rather than as reactions to legitimate concerns.
—
Kevin Woodson, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2023
And iron deficiency is linked to upregulation of genes that code for metal transporters in the body, which may explain why researchers have noted high levels of cadmium excretion in women with low iron stores.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2023
Passengers who are considering reducing the gratuity amounts due to service deficiencies should also present their concerns early during the voyage to give the cruise line ample time to address their complaints.
—Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2023
Some contract beriberi, a disease caused by deficiencies in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, and often induced by diets consisting mainly of foods such as white rice or instant noodles, which are low in this vitamin.
—Ian Urbina, TIME, 26 Oct. 2023
While many individuals with vitamin D deficiency might not display clear symptoms, there are subtle signs that can indicate a potential shortfall.
—Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023
Advertisement Like scurvy, which results from a deficiency of vitamin C, beriberi was common in the 19th century among sailors on extended voyages.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
All newborn babies are required to receive a vitamin K shot to help prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
—Alex Vance, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023
The inspections tend to focus on areas such as risk-management processes, new accounting standards and areas of repeat audit deficiencies, though the work varies by firm.
—Mark Maurer, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023
See More
Kevin Woodson, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2023
And iron deficiency is linked to upregulation of genes that code for metal transporters in the body, which may explain why researchers have noted high levels of cadmium excretion in women with low iron stores.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 1 Nov. 2023
Passengers who are considering reducing the gratuity amounts due to service deficiencies should also present their concerns early during the voyage to give the cruise line ample time to address their complaints.
—Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2023
Some contract beriberi, a disease caused by deficiencies in vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, and often induced by diets consisting mainly of foods such as white rice or instant noodles, which are low in this vitamin.
—Ian Urbina, TIME, 26 Oct. 2023
While many individuals with vitamin D deficiency might not display clear symptoms, there are subtle signs that can indicate a potential shortfall.
—Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 10 Oct. 2023
Advertisement Like scurvy, which results from a deficiency of vitamin C, beriberi was common in the 19th century among sailors on extended voyages.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023
All newborn babies are required to receive a vitamin K shot to help prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB).
—Alex Vance, Fortune Well, 4 Nov. 2023
The inspections tend to focus on areas such as risk-management processes, new accounting standards and areas of repeat audit deficiencies, though the work varies by firm.
—Mark Maurer, WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing deficiency
Dictionary Entries Near deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.
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Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on deficiency
Nglish: Translation of deficiency for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of deficiency for Arabic Speakers
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