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

Urbie was indicted earlier this month by a federal grand jury on 10 counts of deprivation of rights and one count of brandishing a firearm. —Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Findings suggest that unconventional therapies such as spending time in a sensory-deprivation chamber could help people improve their mental well-being. —David M. Ewalt, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025

And studies warn that sleeping for less than seven hours a day can increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and other issues that come with sleep deprivation. —Gina Park, CNN Money, 8 Dec. 2025

Each count of deprivation of rights under color of law is punishable by a year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 4 Dec. 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