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

Now Mubariz fears the same deprivation will shape the next two or three generations. — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

In her notes, Clancy also raised concerns about her own mental health, sleep deprivation, and parenting choices. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Putin figures such a mass deprivation will break Ukraine’s will to fight and soften it up for a capitulation to the Kremlin. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Chronic sleep deprivation raises the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain and depression, and for moms and dads juggling night feedings, school runs and work, those risks stack up fast. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 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