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

Synonyms

• loss
• privation

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

Studies show that sleep deprivation leads to brain stress, cloudy thinking and decision fatigue, plus fragmented sleep signals a vulnerability to social stress. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Reasons for chronically low energy can be related to lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, stress, or sleep deprivation. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2025

Over 75% of those attempts ended in death due to the extreme dangers of the wheel well, including hypothermia, oxygen deprivation and the risk of being crushed by landing gear mechanisms. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

The 24-year-old father was arrested and charged with deprivation of a minor. —Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 3 Apr. 2025

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

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