Definition of deficient
1 : lacking in some necessary quality or element deficient in judgment bones deficient in calcium
2 : not up to a normal standard or complement (see 1complement 1b) : defective deficient strength … rusted and aging pipes … abetted by deficient maintenance and sabotage. — Adam Nossiter
deficiently
adverbPeople Are Reading
Examples of deficient in a Sentence
Several bridges in the city are structurally deficient.
a diet deficient in calcium can lead to weak bones
Origin and Etymology of deficient
Latin deficient-, deficiens, present participle of deficere to be wanting — more at defect
First Known Use: 1581
deficient
Definition of deficient
: a person or thing that is deficient a mental deficient
Origin and Etymology of deficient
see 1deficient
First Known Use: 1906
DEFICIENT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of deficient for English Language Learners
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: not having enough of something that is important or necessary
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: not good enough : not as good as others
DEFICIENT Defined for Kids
deficient
playDefinition of deficient for Students
: lacking something necessary for completeness or health Her diet is deficient in proteins.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of deficient
1: lacking in some necessary quality or element a deficient diet
2: not up to a normal standard or complement deficient strength
3: having, relating to, or characterized by a genetic deletion
deficient
Medical Definition of deficient
: one that is deficient a mental deficient
Learn More about deficient
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See words that rhyme with deficient Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deficient Spanish Central: Translation of deficient Nglish: Translation of deficient for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of deficient for Arabic speakers
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