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

Unlike most of us, weakened by months of hunger and deprivation, Steven, an experienced sportsman, was strong and big. —Marc Marginedas, TIME, 2 Sep. 2024

All of them were – were certainly living in a state of deprivation for many, many months. —CBS News, 1 Sep. 2024

And one of the biggest predictors of that is poverty and deprivation. —Abc News, ABC News, 31 July 2024

The Post spoke to former Palestinian prisoners and lawyers and reviewed autopsy reports, revealing rampant violence and deprivation in Israel’s prison system. —Sufian Taha, Washington Post, 29 July 2024

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

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