deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfi-shən-sē 
plural deficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being defective or of lacking some necessary quality or element : the quality or state of being deficient : inadequacy
suffers from a deficiency of critical thinking
2
: an amount that is lacking or inadequate : shortage
staffing deficiencies
: such as
a
: a shortage of substances necessary to health
a vitamin C deficiency
hormone deficiencies
b
genetics
: deletion sense 2b(1)
Synonyms
Examples of deficiency in a Sentence
The disease may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
The book's major deficiency is its poor plot.
a deficiency of vitamin C
There are several deficiencies in his plan.
The accident was caused by deficiencies in the engine.
Recent Examples on the Web
Also of note is the high dose of 4,000 IU vitamin D, which experts agree is safe and may help to prevent and correct vitamin D deficiencies in pregnant women.
—
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2024
Additional detail on specific complaints is not available unless deficiencies are found.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2024
Additional detail on specific complaints is not available unless deficiencies are found.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural deficiencies
1
: the quality or state of being deficient
2
: the quality or state of being inadequate
especially
: a shortage of substances necessary to health
Medical Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfish-ən-sē
plural deficiencies
1
: a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2
: deletion
Legal Definition
deficiency
noun
de·fi·cien·cy
di-ˈfi-shən-sē
plural deficiencies
: an amount that is lacking or inadequate: as
a
: the difference between the amount of tax owed and the amount of tax paid
b
: the difference between the amount owed under a security agreement and the amount the creditor is able to recover upon default of the debtor by selling the collateral
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