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)
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
Really, much of Hart’s time at Triple-A El Paso was spent attacking his deficiencies against right-handed hitters, who were hitting .333/.386/.698 against him in the majors compared to a .100/.100/.100 line in 20 plate appearances against lefties.
—
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Unfortunately for Weaver, the Dolphins clearly haven’t addressed most of defense’s deficiencies from last season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
While magnesium deficiencies aren't common in people without health conditions, people with diabetes often have low magnesium levels.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
Key Takeaways Hair shedding or thinning can begin a few months after surgery due to stress, nutrient deficiencies, or both.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 28 May 2025
Unfortunately for Weaver, the Dolphins clearly haven’t addressed most of defense’s deficiencies from last season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
While magnesium deficiencies aren't common in people without health conditions, people with diabetes often have low magnesium levels.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficiency. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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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