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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If your hair loss is down to certain nutrient deficiencies, adopting a healthy diet for your hair can help. Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2025 Luce tells the story of Brzezinski prodding Carter ahead of the debate to push Ford on the deficiencies of his (and Kissinger’s) détente with Moscow and attention to human rights issues. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2025 Lack of Nutrients Several nutrient deficiencies cause plant leaves to yellow. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2025 Advertisement You can get tested for a vitamin B12 deficiency at your annual physical. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Time, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deficiency

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficiency was in 1603

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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