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
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Recent Examples of deficiency
The state has sent Dole four notices of deficiency about the dam since 2009 and five years ago fined the company $20,000 for failing to address safety deficiencies on time, according to records.
—
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with sleep disorders, Davis said, while omega-3s may play a role in brain function and inflammation, both of which can influence sleep.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 18 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
Too much water can lead to root rot, nutrient deficiency, and other diseases.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with sleep disorders, Davis said, while omega-3s may play a role in brain function and inflammation, both of which can influence sleep.
—Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 18 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
Too much water can lead to root rot, nutrient deficiency, and other diseases.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
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Border czar Tom Homan said Sunday that ICE officers would not replace TSA officers, but instead fill gaps created by staffing shortages.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Mar. 2026
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Staffing shortages have forced some travelers to build in significantly more time before flights – sometimes hours more than usual.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The lack of snow has water providers across the state enacting drought restrictions or preparing to do so.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
19 Mar. 2026
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While Havana is signaling a willingness to allow foreign investment, many in the community remain skeptical, citing decades of political control and lack of economic transparency.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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