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
While browning leaves are a sign that garlic bulbs are reaching maturity, brown or yellowing leaf tips may also be a sign of a nitrogen deficiency.
—
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2026
One of his therapists had eventually explained to us that Charley used his ridiculous memory to compensate for his phonetic deficiencies.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Also, legislation to diagnose and treat deficiencies in math is moving in the Capitol.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
Studies have linked vitamin D deficiencies with a higher risk of poor sleep and sleep disorders.
—Trista Chan, Health, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 May 2026
One of his therapists had eventually explained to us that Charley used his ridiculous memory to compensate for his phonetic deficiencies.
—Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026
Also, legislation to diagnose and treat deficiencies in math is moving in the Capitol.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 26 May 2026
Studies have linked vitamin D deficiencies with a higher risk of poor sleep and sleep disorders.
—Trista Chan, Health, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
-
Despite more than $100 million in federal investment, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority continues to struggle with aging generators, equipment shortages and years of deferred maintenance.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
In a time of a workforce shortage, Mainstay is not replacing people with tech.—
Megan Shinn,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
But despite this, experts say the lack of AI play is not the main reason why global investors are exiting India.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
-
This area is the best of the best—in part because of the wildlife sightings but also because of the lack of vehicles (the land is exclusively crossed by guests of Singita Lebombo and Singita Sweni).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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