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

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation induces immune changes that increase the risk of various diseases. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025

In California, Eleven enters a makeship sensory deprivation tank and telepathically projects herself into Max's mind. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025

The greater world might be rocketing ahead into the space age, the Beatles and miniskirts, but 17 years after World War II, Miller’s characters in this little village are still haunted by the horrors and deprivations of that conflict. —Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2025

Advertisement The role of sleep, stress, and hormones Sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and hormonal fluctuations can all amplify caffeine’s effects. —Lauryn Higgins, Time, 11 Nov. 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