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
While apps can sometimes be helpful for identifying very basic issues, many fail to accurately diagnose complex pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.
—
Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The launch was a response to the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which can cause hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
After all, his team’s deficiencies are easy to diagnose and relatively simple to address.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Supplements are meant to fill nutrient gaps and are most beneficial for people with deficiencies.
—Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
But his athletic deficiencies could be tough to overcome.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Britt Eastland said Camp Mystic would correct those deficiencies soon and has made several other safety changes.
—Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Texas regulators flagged dozens of deficiencies in Camp Mystic's emergency plan, saying missing flood maps, unclear evacuation procedures and undefined staff roles could hinder responses during disasters or medical emergencies.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
An inspector also noted physical deficiencies like equipment in need of repair.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The launch was a response to the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which can cause hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
After all, his team’s deficiencies are easy to diagnose and relatively simple to address.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Supplements are meant to fill nutrient gaps and are most beneficial for people with deficiencies.
—Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
But his athletic deficiencies could be tough to overcome.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
Britt Eastland said Camp Mystic would correct those deficiencies soon and has made several other safety changes.
—Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Texas regulators flagged dozens of deficiencies in Camp Mystic's emergency plan, saying missing flood maps, unclear evacuation procedures and undefined staff roles could hinder responses during disasters or medical emergencies.
—Doug Myers, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
An inspector also noted physical deficiencies like equipment in need of repair.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
-
Travelers should brace for higher airfares this summer due to looming jet fuel shortages amid the war with Iran.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
-
Our economy is suffering too, with critical workforce shortages of teachers and nurses.—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Ford’s freedom or constraints, his prejudices or lacks, gauge his moment and ours.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Dipping into 2027 draft capital to make a fifth-round selection in a draft that Schneider has repeatedly said lacks depth is a surprising move.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Skepticism about Shakespeare having actually written the plays attributed to him has persisted for more than a century, originated by lack of documentation and inadequacies in the historical record and perpetuated by cultural fascination.—
Gitanjali Roy,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Lamont administration invited to the signing ceremony Hammersley and others who have been critical of Connecticut’s longstanding inadequacies in education funding, which have been the subject of litigation over decades, as well as the current governor’s fiscal moderation.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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