deficiency

[ dih-fish-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural de·fi·cien·cies.

1. the state of being deficient; lack; incompleteness; insufficiency.

   Synonyms: scarcity, paucity, inadequacy, shortage

2. the amount lacked; a deficit.

deficiency

/ dɪˈfɪʃənsɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being deficient
2. a lack or insufficiency; shortage
3. another word for deficit
4. biology the absence of a gene or a region of a chromosome normally present

Other Words From

• nonde·ficien·cy noun plural nondeficiencies
• prede·ficien·cy noun plural predeficiencies

Word History and Origins

Origin of deficiency¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Late Latin dēficientia, Latin dēficient- (stem of dēficiēns ); deficient, -ency

Example Sentences

Generally, though, Knecht has played with the kind of competitiveness and toughness that can overcome some of the deficiencies on the defensive end.

From Los Angeles Times

Nearly 20% of the world's population is at risk for zinc deficiency, which can impair immune function and is a major risk factor for pneumonia.

From Science Daily

"An IFITM3 deficiency makes it easier for a low dose of virus to be infectious," said senior study author Jacob Yount, professor of microbial infection and immunity in Ohio State's College of Medicine.

From Science Daily

It references a letter to Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, written by three Republican members of congress, expressing “grave concern” over “deficiencies” in procedures for overseas military personnel to vote.

From BBC

“Micronutrient deficiency is widespread in the country and we are serious in our efforts in alleviating it,” said Ms Tan-Bantoto.

From BBC

Related Words

• dearth
• defect
• failing
• failure
• fault
• flaw
• frailty
• glitch
• insufficiency
• lack
• scarcity
• shortage
• shortcoming
• weakness