1
as in incomplete
lacking some necessary part
a diet deficient in calcium can lead to weak bones
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
woefully deficient eyesight kept him out of military service
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
too deficient in common sense to be trusted to stay by himself
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deficient
Studies have found that nearly 50% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, which can contribute to fatigue, muscle cramps, weakened bones, poor blood sugar control, and increased risks of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
—
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
This is one of the most talent-deficient groups in the NFL, thanks largely to injuries to the season-ending injury to slot Kader Kohou (knee) and the departures of last year’s starters, Jalen Ramsey (trade) and Kendall Fuller (released in February).
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Those who are iron deficient, pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to mint and/or who are taking certain medications such as ones that slow blood clotting or medications for diabetes should avoid it, unless their healthcare provider suggests otherwise, Davis recommends.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
Researchers recommend listing the new species as data deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List until more field surveys can determine its threatened status.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficient
Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2025
This is one of the most talent-deficient groups in the NFL, thanks largely to injuries to the season-ending injury to slot Kader Kohou (knee) and the departures of last year’s starters, Jalen Ramsey (trade) and Kendall Fuller (released in February).
—Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Those who are iron deficient, pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to mint and/or who are taking certain medications such as ones that slow blood clotting or medications for diabetes should avoid it, unless their healthcare provider suggests otherwise, Davis recommends.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
Researchers recommend listing the new species as data deficient on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List until more field surveys can determine its threatened status.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficient
Adjective
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LaFleur challenged a 37-yard pass to Malik Heath that was initially ruled incomplete.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
An incomplete pass set up 4th-and-goal from the 2.—
Cody Thorn,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This vile, heartless remark is completely unacceptable—especially from someone entrusted with our children.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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What constitutes an unacceptable season for the Yankees these days, and how much does Boone bear responsibility when the team doesn't perform up to those standards?—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That is not to say that his coverage abilities are in any way lacking, but the Jaguars might see more value in Hunter catching passes to start.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
It can be used to crudely express boredom, annoyance or to signal that something is self-indulgent or lacking purpose.—
Sofi Zeman
August 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Using the wrong type of cleaning product for your tub's material can result in scratches, discoloration, or chips.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
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Scotsman Robert MacIntyre was pleased to have made the cut with a birdie on the last on Friday evening but when a rare second cut was made to shorten the field for the final day, the 29-year-old from Oban was on the wrong side of the line when finishing 2 under par.—
Caoimhe O'Neill,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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What progress has been public has been from outside that investigation, like State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office issuing a report that found the MSP’s training is inadequate.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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More than half of these women have left their jobs under the weight of these tasks, with two-thirds citing inadequate employer support.—
Liz Teran,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Cutting carbs entirely can raise the risk of cholesterol, kidney stones, poor bone health, gut problems, and even cancer, added Stefanki.—
Caitlin Pagán,
Verywell Health,
11 Sep. 2025
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Before Wednesday’s game, people within the organization were optimistic about Helsley putting his tipping problem and overall poor pitching behind him, pointing to a clean inning Monday.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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If reserves prove insufficient—or are poorly disclosed—confidence can collapse overnight.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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The prosecutor said there was insufficient evidence to support that charge.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Another main issue is that the power grind itself now being the endgame is no longer a good motivator to play, nor is the Tier system with 3s not much different than 4s or 5s, and all past weapons being somewhat lame now outside of that system entirely.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Paine proposed a lump sum payment of £15 (£2,306 in 2025) to everyone reaching the age of twenty-one and a £10 (£1,537 in 2025) annual pension for the blind and lame, as well as for those fifty and older.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficient. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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