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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deficiencies
Most organizations try to fix deficiencies or incrementally raise satisfaction levels.
—
Marcus Buckingham, Harvard Business Review, 26 Mar. 2026
In fact, more than half of women will experience some form of hair loss at one point or another — whether due to hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, stress or sheer genetics.
—Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Villa’s visible deficiencies are what made Nuno’s decision to shift from a wing-back system after Jean-Clair Todibo‘s injury in the warm-up so curious.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Bare soil leads to erosion, nutrient deficiencies, moisture loss and the death of microorganisms.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
State records show that dam safety officials had been tracking the structure’s deficiencies for more than a decade.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
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
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
Marcus Buckingham, Harvard Business Review, 26 Mar. 2026
In fact, more than half of women will experience some form of hair loss at one point or another — whether due to hormonal changes, nutrient deficiencies, stress or sheer genetics.
—Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Villa’s visible deficiencies are what made Nuno’s decision to shift from a wing-back system after Jean-Clair Todibo‘s injury in the warm-up so curious.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Bare soil leads to erosion, nutrient deficiencies, moisture loss and the death of microorganisms.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
State records show that dam safety officials had been tracking the structure’s deficiencies for more than a decade.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
-
Analysts partially credit the stability to a mature domestic biofuels industry that allows the country to withstand geopolitical shocks with minimal risk of fuel shortages.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Aluminum prices hit a four‑year high as Iranian strikes on Middle Eastern producers stoke fears of supply shortages.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
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
-
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 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
