Synonyms of deficiency

deficiency

noun

di-ˈfi-shən-sē 

as in shortage

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

• shortage
• lack
• deficit
• insufficiency
• scarcity
• inadequacy
• absence
• drought
• paucity
• poverty
• famine
• lacuna
• failure
• dearth
• inadequateness
• undersupply
• scantiness
• crunch
• omission
• pinch
• scarceness
• necessity
• want
• meagerness
• privation
• skimpiness
• poorness
• need

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adequacy
• sufficiency
• abundance
• amplitude
• wealth
• plenty
• opulence
• plenitude
• surplus
• excess
• overabundance
• oversupply
• copiousness
• surfeit
• bountifulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deficiency

Notably, people who inherit two broken copies of FNIP1 instead of just one are prone to heart disease and immune deficiency. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026

It’s cleared to treat narcolepsy type 1, a taxing condition in which patients have a deficiency of the orexin neuron and experience bouts of sleepiness and muscle weakness during the day. — Elaine Chen, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026

Nutritional deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin D, calcium, or magnesium, can weaken teeth and gums, leading to sensitivity. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 5 Aug. 2026

Very restrictive diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a lower quality of life. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026