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
Also keep in mind that high daily doses of zinc for an extended period can interfere with copper absorption, which may lead to copper deficiency and increase the risk of bone fractures or recurrent infection, Hunnes said.
—
Brian Mastroianni, Health, 19 Jan. 2026
Lack of fertilization results in fewer blooms, poor growth, nutrient deficiencies, and a generally weak plant, says Samantha Herman, gardening expert and founder of House + Plant.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
This suggests a possibility that parasitic worms might be harvesting vitamin C from its host, and therefore, vitamin C deficiency in a host organism could help protect from those parasites.
—Jay Kakade
january 19, New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2026
Alagille Syndrome is a genetic condition that can lead to liver damage and vitamin deficiencies, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Brian Mastroianni, Health, 19 Jan. 2026
Lack of fertilization results in fewer blooms, poor growth, nutrient deficiencies, and a generally weak plant, says Samantha Herman, gardening expert and founder of House + Plant.
—Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026
This suggests a possibility that parasitic worms might be harvesting vitamin C from its host, and therefore, vitamin C deficiency in a host organism could help protect from those parasites.
—Jay Kakade
january 19, New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2026
Alagille Syndrome is a genetic condition that can lead to liver damage and vitamin deficiencies, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
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In this city of 20 million people, the Delhi Water Board said last Thursday that 43 neighborhoods – home to about two million people – had been affected by water shortages.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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Critics argue the violence and staffing shortages that have long plagued Los Padrinos have spread and are now destabilizing other facilities.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There has been a lack of clarity about how long Putin had promised to observe a pause on power grid attacks.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
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Cuban officials have said existing US economic sanctions are largely to blame for the country’s ailing energy sector, although critics also fault a lack of government investment in infrastructure.—
Bianna Golodryga,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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