deficiencies

noun

plural of deficiency
as in shortages
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number there is a deficiency of fresh food in the diet of many of the working poor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deficiencies Defensively, the Lions have shown improvement but still have some deficiencies. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 There were also no deficiencies in communication with other helicopters in contact with DCA’s traffic control tower. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 Pressure is starting to mount on Hoyos, who took responsibility for the most recent losses but didn’t seem to have answers for how to fix the team’s deficiencies. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 Most hair loss supplements are too generalized to address specific nutritional deficiencies, and any hair loss serum should have clinical trials to back it up, Kingsley says. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 Low-carb diets may improve blood sugar and weight loss short term but can lead to energy dips and nutrient deficiencies. — Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 The inspector noted improper date marking and food storage, as well as a lack of hot water and deficiencies in employee hygiene, according to the spokesperson. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026 Yellowing pothos leaves may result from direct sunlight, nutrient deficiencies, or pH imbalances. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026 Ultimately, underperformance often signals leadership deficiencies, including poor recruitment and inadequate team management, rather than external market forces. — Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
  1. shortages
  2. lacks
  3. inadequacies
Noun
  • Drivers in the Iranian capital of Tehran are experiencing long lines at gas stations and temporary fuel shortages, according to Iranian news agencies, although authorities have insisted the overall fuel supply chain remains stable.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Ukraine's long-range drones have repeatedly hit facilities in Russia's vital oil industry, causing fuel shortages, and have also engaged in a campaign against Russia's largest online retailer Wildberries.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortages
Noun
  • Long used in commercial kitchens for sinks and countertops, steel sinks contain chromium that provides corrosion-resistance and nickel that adds the brightness pure steel lacks.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • The Anaheim Ducks, at least, had a lot of pace and tempo to help make up for what Carlson’s skating lacks at this point in his career.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of lacks
Noun
  • The Canadian catastrophe highlighted the inadequacies of the current system of supply and the lack of American credit.
    — Sarah M.S. Pearsall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
  • Connecting the Orioles’ fielding inadequacies in the majors directly to their lack of attention to defense in the minors would be a stretch; Rutschman, Henderson and Cowser all came up through their system.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 18 June 2026
Definition of inadequacies

Browse Nearby Words

defiant
deficiencies
deficiency
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Cite this Entry

“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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