1
as in incomplete
lacking some necessary part
a diet deficient in calcium can lead to weak bones
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unacceptable
falling short of a standard
woefully deficient eyesight kept him out of military service
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
too deficient in common sense to be trusted to stay by himself
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deficient
Even in developed countries like the U.S. though, research shows that nearly 1/3 of the population is deficient in at least one vitamin or mineral.
—
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Trump cited national security concerns in the proclamation, adding that the countries facing restrictions have deficient screening and vetting processes to protect against individuals who threaten U.S. national interests.
—Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
But for those who are deficient—which can be confirmed by a blood test—supplements are necessary.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 28 May 2025
Ars Video Whether the Take It Down Act can survive a potential constitutional challenge or not, the 48-hour timeline may be deficient for other reasons, though, victim testimony suggests.
—Ashley Belanger – May 19, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficient
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Trump cited national security concerns in the proclamation, adding that the countries facing restrictions have deficient screening and vetting processes to protect against individuals who threaten U.S. national interests.
—Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
But for those who are deficient—which can be confirmed by a blood test—supplements are necessary.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 28 May 2025
Ars Video Whether the Take It Down Act can survive a potential constitutional challenge or not, the 48-hour timeline may be deficient for other reasons, though, victim testimony suggests.
—Ashley Belanger – May 19, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficient
Adjective
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Focusing purely on career advancement or compensation is an incomplete approach for forward-thinking organizations.—
Chris Westfall,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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The satellite images provide data on the chlorophyll production at the surface, but the picture is still incomplete, the researchers said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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In April 2021, the European Commission proposed a draft of the Artificial Intelligence Act, aimed at introducing a system of AI classification based on risks to users (minimal, limited, high, unacceptable).—
Olena Orliuk,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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Republicans have said the level of tax increases and additional funding measures in the budget is unacceptable.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Using the wrong cleaners, such as ammonia and glass cleaner, can cause permanent streaks and damage.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
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Effective leaders recognize that different doesn’t mean wrong.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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Furthermore, decades of secondary math teacher shortages means that many positions have been filled by individuals teaching on substandard credentials who have inadequate preparation in math or pedagogy or both.—
Linda Darling-Hammond,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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The Iranian regime has learned that its conventional defenses are inadequate to protect against attacks by the United States and Israel.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Chicago Tribune,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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The key drivers are BGE’s soaring spending and profits and poor management by PJM Interconnection, the private entity that operates our electric grid.—
Emily Scarr,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 2025
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Despite having a poor 2024 season that saw the Pirates remove Bednar from the closer role, the right-hander is back to his dominant form.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.—
VIPIN NARANG,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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As holidays go, however, Flag Day can feel a bit lame.—
Kevin Fisher-Paulson,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 June 2021
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My 11-year-old loved watching the pups roll balls and play a giant floor piano, but for non-dog owners (guilty as charged), parts of the series—like dressing dogs in little hats and outfits for a Parisian fashion show—feel lame.—
Tim Neville,
Outside Online,
23 Nov. 2020
Adjective
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Overall, the recent western drought was at its worst in late 2021, when nearly 94% of the West was in drought, before easing in 2023-24.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
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That is not inherently bad and tactical flexibility, particularly during a major tournament, is usually a boon.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficient. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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