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
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Recent Examples of deficiencies
In contrast, focusing on weaknesses traps people in a cycle of fixing deficiencies; over time, this limits performance by missing opportunities to generate truly forward-looking solutions.
—
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
In addition to amassing millions of dollars in debt, the four facilities also racked up nearly 384 violations for health and safety deficiencies in the last three years.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This can result in poor nutritional absorption, leading to deficiencies over time.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Dietitians warn this diet could lead to substantial nutrient deficiencies.
—Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Ukraine and Russia have been driven to improve drone capabilities to compensate for deficiencies in air force capabilities, a dynamic that isn’t applicable to all Western powers.
—Rachel Wilson, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Key Takeaways Nutrient deficiencies develop when someone isn't getting enough of a certain nutrient, like a vitamin or mineral.
—Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Two days off to decompress and diagnose the deficiencies in Smith’s swing are more productive than pushing him to play through his struggles and risking cratered confidence.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
People often turn to vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements to help address nutrient deficiencies.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Gamze Acar Bayraktaroglu, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
In addition to amassing millions of dollars in debt, the four facilities also racked up nearly 384 violations for health and safety deficiencies in the last three years.
—Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025
This can result in poor nutritional absorption, leading to deficiencies over time.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 27 Aug. 2025
Dietitians warn this diet could lead to substantial nutrient deficiencies.
—Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Ukraine and Russia have been driven to improve drone capabilities to compensate for deficiencies in air force capabilities, a dynamic that isn’t applicable to all Western powers.
—Rachel Wilson, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
Key Takeaways Nutrient deficiencies develop when someone isn't getting enough of a certain nutrient, like a vitamin or mineral.
—Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Two days off to decompress and diagnose the deficiencies in Smith’s swing are more productive than pushing him to play through his struggles and risking cratered confidence.
—Chandler Rome, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
People often turn to vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements to help address nutrient deficiencies.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
-
According to an August report from the Office of Inspector General, the watchdog arm of the Department of Veterans Affairs, all 139 Veterans Health Administration facilities in the country have reported severe occupational shortages, a 50% increase from last year.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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The shortages have plagued the workforce for many years now, educators have told ABC News, with many of them citing strict time demands, persistent behavioral issues and lack of administrative support, among other obstacles.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But Davies’s film has a patience and lightness of touch that Scorsese’s lacks, as well as a note-perfect lead in Gillian Anderson.—
Elle Carroll,
Vulture,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Debates surrounding its future intensified in the 2000s, as DFW’s ballooning population laid bare the long-term inadequacies of its water reserves.—
Eleanor Dearman
Updated August 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Aug. 2025
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As sheriff of Baltimore City, I am compelled to raise the alarm on court security funding inadequacies.—
Sam Cogen,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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