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
Factors that can impact ALA conversion efficiency include high intake of omega-6 fatty acids, gender, age, nutrient deficiencies and genetics.
—
Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jones highlighted the additions the Cowboys front office has overseen so far this offseason to help address the defensive deficiencies, leaving him optimistic heading into the next month's NFL Draft.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Another worry is these products induce bowel movements that cause diarrhea, says Ahmed, which sometimes leads to dehydration, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances.
—Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
Other issues include susceptibility to diseases and pests, weed invasion, uneven growth among plant species, and potential nutrient deficiencies over time.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
But, then again, this has been a season largely defined by how queens’ deficiencies can become strengths.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
Getting backed down by Dončić was only one piece of an embarrassing bloodbath for the Bulls that highlighted every facet of this team’s defensive deficiencies.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Four years later, Watson approached free agency with an eye toward helping address the Rams’ deficiencies.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Despite the information gaps and deficiencies of existing AI models, the hospitality industry is pressing ahead with the rollout of more smart tools.
—Sydney Goh, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
Leeann Weintraub, Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Jones highlighted the additions the Cowboys front office has overseen so far this offseason to help address the defensive deficiencies, leaving him optimistic heading into the next month's NFL Draft.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Another worry is these products induce bowel movements that cause diarrhea, says Ahmed, which sometimes leads to dehydration, malabsorption, nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances.
—Sarah Boden, NPR, 16 Mar. 2026
Other issues include susceptibility to diseases and pests, weed invasion, uneven growth among plant species, and potential nutrient deficiencies over time.
—Lauren Wellbank, Martha Stewart, 16 Mar. 2026
But, then again, this has been a season largely defined by how queens’ deficiencies can become strengths.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026
Getting backed down by Dončić was only one piece of an embarrassing bloodbath for the Bulls that highlighted every facet of this team’s defensive deficiencies.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Four years later, Watson approached free agency with an eye toward helping address the Rams’ deficiencies.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Despite the information gaps and deficiencies of existing AI models, the hospitality industry is pressing ahead with the rollout of more smart tools.
—Sydney Goh, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
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And the longer the war drags on, the more likely that there will be shortages and price increases on a wide range of goods.—
SAM McNEIL,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
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Some of the main factors contributing to the extended wait times include staff and bed shortages, hospital flow issues (due to lack of primary care access), and overcrowding that leads to system stress, according to the Canadian Medical Association.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
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As of Wednesday, firearms dealers are required under state law to use scanners that pull the prospective purchaser’s name, date of birth and other details from the card’s magnetic strip, which the new design lacks — except if they are authorized otherwise.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
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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
Noun
-
United’s second-half changes saw several of the squad’s technical inadequacies bubble back to the surface.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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Initiative in the upcoming weeks to address health care inadequacies for addicts.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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