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

Last March, a jury convicted Amiri of deprivation of rights and falsifying records for unleashing his dog, Purcy, on a man during a traffic stop in Antioch, but acquitted him of conspiracy and other deprivation charges. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

Even when food is available, some kids who have experienced nutritional deprivation aren’t always able to get their needs met. —Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025

Treating insomnia symptoms could very well soften the negative effects of sleep deprivation on the brain. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 10 Sep. 2025

Under state law, the lawsuit also brings forward allegations of assault and battery, liberty deprivation/false imprisonment, invasion of privacy and negligent training, supervision and retention. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 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