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
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 deficiency
Ludwig also noted that the earlier recommendation was the minimum amount needed to prevent protein deficiency and said higher amounts of protein might be beneficial.
—
Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
However, several nutrition experts said protein deficiencies aren’t a concern.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
The deficiency can cause problems with wound healing, slow growth, loss of taste and smell, and cognitive issues.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Extreme or highly restrictive diets often cause nutrient deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and other harmful side effects.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
However, several nutrition experts said protein deficiencies aren’t a concern.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
The deficiency can cause problems with wound healing, slow growth, loss of taste and smell, and cognitive issues.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
Extreme or highly restrictive diets often cause nutrient deficiencies, metabolic slowdown, and other harmful side effects.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
-
Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Some sponsors are still participating despite others having pulled out due to the lack of ice for demonstrations.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But that’s not due to a lack of interest.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
