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

• 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

This past spring, sleep deprivation—partially due to a new baby, partially due to Parker’s manic creative process—aggravated his tinnitus. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025

But Def Leppard is, at its core, a brotherhood of working-class kids from the British Isles, raised by parents who lived through the deprivations of World War II. —Todd Longwell, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025

Sleep deprivation will do that. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025

Deafblind youths need specific skills early in life — learning how to use American Sign Language and assistive technology, for example — to prevent language deprivation. —Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 8 Oct. 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