deficiency

noun

de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

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

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

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficiency was in 1603

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.

Kids Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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 How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
plural deficiencies
1
: a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2

Legal Definition

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
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

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