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
Fortification began in the United States in the early 20th century, when scientists linked nutrient deficiencies to widespread health problems, explains Young.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Nutrient Deficiencies Following either the keto diet or being in ketosis can lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the restriction of carbohydrates, which are vital sources of various vitamins and minerals.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
Most rookies are negative overall players, and Bailey is one of them, especially with the strength deficiencies.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
According to a public report on the death of Sy'vir Hill, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services found no deficiencies and no recommendations for change.
—Liz Crawford, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
For now though, the BSCC is giving the county until March to produce three different Corrective Action Plans to address the deficiencies found at Nidorf’s Juvenile Hall, the Secure Youth Treatment Facility and Kilpatrick.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
It’s usually caused by a metabolic change in your body, either from hormones, nutritional deficiencies, high levels of stress, or medication.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
In rural Kenya, farmers are growing nutrient-rich crops to combat nutritional deficiencies in their communities.
—Pilar Cruz, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Nutrient deficiencies are unlikely to cause leaf browning, so fertilizer is not the answer to brown leaves.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Nutrient Deficiencies Following either the keto diet or being in ketosis can lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the restriction of carbohydrates, which are vital sources of various vitamins and minerals.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 Feb. 2026
Most rookies are negative overall players, and Bailey is one of them, especially with the strength deficiencies.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
According to a public report on the death of Sy'vir Hill, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services found no deficiencies and no recommendations for change.
—Liz Crawford, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
For now though, the BSCC is giving the county until March to produce three different Corrective Action Plans to address the deficiencies found at Nidorf’s Juvenile Hall, the Secure Youth Treatment Facility and Kilpatrick.
—Jason Henry, Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026
It’s usually caused by a metabolic change in your body, either from hormones, nutritional deficiencies, high levels of stress, or medication.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026
In rural Kenya, farmers are growing nutrient-rich crops to combat nutritional deficiencies in their communities.
—Pilar Cruz, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Nutrient deficiencies are unlikely to cause leaf browning, so fertilizer is not the answer to brown leaves.
—Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
-
Staffing shortages have plagued the grocery industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Francesca Pica,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Each provides amino acids that the other lacks, so eating them together gives you all the essential amino acids.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Economic theory would suggest that the best place to make a major investment such as a STAR bond would be in a place that has low, or lacks, economic activity.—
Sofi Zeman
January 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Re-tooled with new signings, the defensive inadequacies and erratic finishing that had held the club back during his first campaign were eradicated.—
Zak Garner-Purkis,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Most moving is Packer’s evocation of the choice’s effect on Eliot, who is forced to confront his inadequacies—both real and perceived—as a caregiver and a husband.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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