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
Yet, Iowa’s staunch running attack has turned its passing deficiencies into footnotes.
—
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
However, specific groups may be particularly vulnerable to deficiency, and the consequences can be significant.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
That has allowed the Dodgers to hide their deficiencies in the bullpen – and ask less of their offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Vitamin D supplements are another, since vitamin D deficiency often overlaps with SAD and can cause many of the same symptoms, like fatigue.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
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.
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
However, specific groups may be particularly vulnerable to deficiency, and the consequences can be significant.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
That has allowed the Dodgers to hide their deficiencies in the bullpen – and ask less of their offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
Vitamin D supplements are another, since vitamin D deficiency often overlaps with SAD and can cause many of the same symptoms, like fatigue.
—Maggie O'Neill, SELF, 20 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share