deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy | \ di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio) \
plural deficiencies

Definition of deficiency

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)

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Dallas doesn't have nearly so sophisticated a system — a deficiency our new mayor would do well to correct. Mark Lamster, Dallas News, "Data is shaping the future of Dallas, but be careful what you wish for," 1 Aug. 2019 The purpose will be to correct for a genetic deficiency that prevents normal eyesight despite a lack of structural problems with patients' eyes themselves. Sy Mukherjee, Fortune, "Blindness, Edited Away: Brainstorm Health," 26 July 2019 The devoted and pragmatic fans still point to a glaring deficiency in this once illustrious team. SI.com, "Granit Xhaka: Naming the Swiss as Captain Sets a Dangerous Precedent for Next Season," 18 July 2019 Lawns also may have a washed out appearance with a yellow cast, which could be a nitrogen deficiency brought on by the rain. Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indianapolis Star, "The Hoosier Gardener: Weather prime for fungus problems," 28 June 2019 Pregnant people are more at risk of iron deficiency because their blood volume increases by 20 to 30 percent, calling for more iron to create hemoglobin that can send oxygenated red blood cells all over the body. Kristin Auble, SELF, "9 Facts to Know About Restless Legs Syndrome," 16 Mar. 2019 Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, is the result of an enzyme deficiency that causes more nuanced discomfort, like gas and bloating. Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "6 Things You Need to Know Before Trying Whole30," 7 Aug. 2018 Should the risk of vitamin D deficiency — which can lead to brittle bones and has been associated with insulin resistance, high blood pressure and decreased immune function, among other issues — overshadow years of that advice? Jamie Ducharme, Time, "Should You Stop Wearing Sunscreen To Get More Vitamin D? Here's What a Doctor Says," 14 May 2018 Oren says Georgia Music Partners hopes to make findings public in order to be transparent about the deficiencies and gaps that currently exist and the action plan for fixing them. Jewel Wicker, Billboard, "Fulton County, Georgia to Study Economic Impact of Atlanta's Music Scene," 1 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deficiency.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of deficiency

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for deficiency

defici(ent) entry 1 + -ency

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More Definitions for deficiency

deficiency

noun

English Language Learners Definition of deficiency

: a lack of something that is needed : the state of not having enough of something necessary
: a problem in the way something is made or formed

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy | \ di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio) \
plural deficiencies

Kids Definition of deficiency

: the condition of being without something necessary and especially something required for health a vitamin deficiency

deficiency

noun
de·​fi·​cien·​cy | \ di-ˈfish-ən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio) \
plural deficiencies

Medical Definition of deficiency

1 : a shortage of substances (as vitamins) necessary to health
2 : deletion

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