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
Studies show that patients not meeting the diagnostic criteria for testosterone deficiency are still being prescribed testosterone therapy, often based on vague symptoms.
—
Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Grassley cited a Government Accountability Office report issued last year that detailed deficiencies in the program’s management dating back to 2009.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
This common electrolyte deficiency (hyponatremia) can trigger the brain to produce appetite signals for salt.14 It can be triggered by a variety of causes, including diarrhea, vomiting, heart failure, taking diuretic medications, certain kidney diseases, and more.15
10.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025
Some data suggests that vitamin K deficiency is associated with a higher risk of bone fractures.8
5.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 June 2025
Grassley cited a Government Accountability Office report issued last year that detailed deficiencies in the program’s management dating back to 2009.
—Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
This common electrolyte deficiency (hyponatremia) can trigger the brain to produce appetite signals for salt.14 It can be triggered by a variety of causes, including diarrhea, vomiting, heart failure, taking diuretic medications, certain kidney diseases, and more.15
10.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025
Some data suggests that vitamin K deficiency is associated with a higher risk of bone fractures.8
5.
—Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 19 June 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 4 Jul. 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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