deprivation

noun

ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
Definition of deprivationnext
as in lack
the state of being robbed of something normally enjoyed the concern of some that there has been a deprivation of rights since the passing of laws to combat the threat of terrorism

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 deprivation Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and impaired immune function. — Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026 Reform and Restore are no doubt relying on support from pockets of deprivation, squalor and neglect in Makerfield. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 18 June 2026 The Nazis wanted their victims to see only fear, deprivation and survival. — Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026 Chronic sleep deprivation is more concerning. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deprivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deprivation
  1. lack
  2. loss
  3. privation
  4. denial
Noun
  • One Calabria hospital had lines several hours long Despite growing tourism and a strong farming economy, Calabria symbolizes southern Italy’s lack of development compared to the more wealthy and industrialized north.
    — Paolo Santalucia, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Josh Houston, who also filed complaints with state and federal agencies, said his biggest concern has been the lack of communication surrounding the project affecting the subdivision’s only access road.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The congregation started to arrive at the usual time, about half an hour before Mass on a recent Saturday afternoon, the old church slowly filling with the descendants and caretakers of a place of great serenity but also great loss.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Fireflies are facing growing challenges from habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and light pollution.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Still, the mesh grids spreading across Haiti's countryside prove that the country's energy story may transcend the privation.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These are people who still carry within them memories of war, occupation, and stretches of extreme privation.
    — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of privation
Noun
  • The denial was a hit to Wilber’s spirit, but Yadira tried to calm the restless teenager.
    — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • The birthright citizenship decision was decided on merits after full oral arguments, while the Carroll petition asks the court to reconsider its decision to not hear the case, known as a denial of certiorari.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of denial

Browse Nearby Words

depressive
deprivation
deprivations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deprivation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on deprivation

Nglish: Translation of deprivation for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of xeric

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All