deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən 

also

ˌdē-ˌprī- 

1

: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation

especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice

2

: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss

overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods

the hazards of oxygen deprivation

sleep deprivation

Synonyms of deprivation

• lack
• loss
• privation
• denial

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Bliss said the postpartum period was marked by sleep deprivation and the challenges of breastfeeding. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in the Superior Court of Delaware, claims that the teens suffered years of harm from using the platforms, including social media addiction, severe sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Research has consistently shown that social deprivation and isolation during critical developmental periods are associated with harm to cognitive development and language acquisition. — Anna Tsioulias, STAT, 29 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing deprivation

• androgen deprivation therapy
• self-deprivation
• sensory deprivation

Rhymes for deprivation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun

de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən  ˌdē-ˌprī- 

: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being

his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivation

—Jack Fincher

sleep deprivation