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
Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies.
—
Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
These nutrients reduce the risk of certain conditions present at birth, help fetal development, and prevent deficiencies that can affect the pregnant person.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
However, if the tree is showing little to no sign of growth, perform a soil test to see if there are any nutrient deficiencies, then fertilize accordingly.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Having help on both sides has helped his performance, though the move has masked some of his technical deficiencies and overall rawness as a player.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
This year, head coach Ime Udoka has even used him to initiate offense, thanks in part to some of Sheppard's deficiencies and one critical absence.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Additionally, various sanitation deficiencies such as old food residue on equipment, lack of proper glove use during food preparation, and pest contamination, city officials said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
For weeks, Shanahan and his staff have been pulling off a high-wire act, using elite schemes and clever coaching to mask the deficiencies of third-stringers and street free agents.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
People often turn to vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements to help address nutrient deficiencies.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
These nutrients reduce the risk of certain conditions present at birth, help fetal development, and prevent deficiencies that can affect the pregnant person.
—Nancy Lebrun, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025
However, if the tree is showing little to no sign of growth, perform a soil test to see if there are any nutrient deficiencies, then fertilize accordingly.
—Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Having help on both sides has helped his performance, though the move has masked some of his technical deficiencies and overall rawness as a player.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
This year, head coach Ime Udoka has even used him to initiate offense, thanks in part to some of Sheppard's deficiencies and one critical absence.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Additionally, various sanitation deficiencies such as old food residue on equipment, lack of proper glove use during food preparation, and pest contamination, city officials said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2025
For weeks, Shanahan and his staff have been pulling off a high-wire act, using elite schemes and clever coaching to mask the deficiencies of third-stringers and street free agents.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 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
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China’s apparent surge in missile production comes as the US expends sophisticated defense systems in Ukraine and Israel, causing some ammunition shortages and sparking debate in Washington about how and where to deploy its high-end weapons.—
Tamara Qiblawi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
When staffing shortages occur, the FAA will reduce the flow of air traffic to maintain safety.—
Joe Edwards,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
So Vegas has to hope that their forward depth is strong enough to balance out where their star power lacks, relative to other contenders.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
This absence — of God, of love, of plain community spirit — is a metaphor for the whole parish, where everyone is defined by their own lacks and deficiencies, the weaknesses that cause Wicks to despise them and vow to bring down them all.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.—
James Mercadante,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
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The clapping served as an audible reminder of the Aztecs’ offensive inadequacies, and players visibly tightened as the clanked shots and errant passes mounted.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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