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
Things To Consider If you’ve been diagnosed with an iron deficiency, the dosage in this supplement may not be enough.
—
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024
Despite the score’s deficiencies, the vocalists were on top of their parts and spot-on in their roles.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2024
These supplements are meant to fill in any gaps in the diet or correct a deficiency that is related to male infertility.
—Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024
The health department’s failure to regularly inspect facilities with a history of resident abuse and neglect and other deficiencies is particularly concerning, the lawsuit said, as the department may not find out about new problems unless a resident makes a complaint.
—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for deficiency 
Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024
Despite the score’s deficiencies, the vocalists were on top of their parts and spot-on in their roles.
—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2024
These supplements are meant to fill in any gaps in the diet or correct a deficiency that is related to male infertility.
—Casey Seiden, Parents, 19 May 2024
The health department’s failure to regularly inspect facilities with a history of resident abuse and neglect and other deficiencies is particularly concerning, the lawsuit said, as the department may not find out about new problems unless a resident makes a complaint.
—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 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 8 Jun. 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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