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
Symptoms of severe protein deficiency can show up in the skin as well.
—
Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025
For me, my deficiencies showed up in my body as fatigue.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, since iron does not move well in the plant, its deficiency is first noticed on new growth.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 July 2025
Medicine for potassium deficiency has largely run out across Gaza, Soboh said.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025
For me, my deficiencies showed up in my body as fatigue.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 26 July 2025
Meanwhile, since iron does not move well in the plant, its deficiency is first noticed on new growth.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 July 2025
Medicine for potassium deficiency has largely run out across Gaza, Soboh said.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 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 8 Aug. 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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