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

The effects of vitamin D deficiency vary with age and impact bone development, bone strength, the immune system, muscle health, energy levels, and other aspects of health. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026

The disease, known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), is a slow-moving disaster for patients. — Jason Mastjuly 28, STAT, 28 July 2026

The most common reason a competent penetration test draws a deficiency has nothing to do with the quality of the testing. — Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

While testosterone levels decline with age, the symptoms and severity can vary widely depending on whether or not there is a testosterone deficiency. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026