deprivation

[ dep-ruh-vey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of depriving.
2. the fact of being deprived. deprive.
3. dispossession; loss.
4. removal from ecclesiastical office.
5. privation.

deprivation

/ ˌdɛprɪˈveɪʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of depriving
2. the state of being deprived

   a cycle of deprivation and violence

   social deprivation

Other Words From

• nondep·ri·vation noun
• predep·ri·vation noun
• self-depri·vation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deprivation¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Medieval Latin dēprīvātiōn-, stem of dēprīvātiō, from dēprīvāt(us) “deprived” (past participle of dēprīvāre “to deprive”; deprive ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Confirming details of its plans, the government said the money will be allocated based on need, population and levels of deprivation - instead of making areas compete for investment as in previous years.

From BBC

While the anti-4B side argues that women can persuade men to change by manipulating them with sex, the Lysistrata camp believes men can be convinced by deprivation.

From Salon

He is likely to serve little if any time in custody as a result, but he can probably count on a long term of probation, which itself entails a significant deprivation of liberty.

From Los Angeles Times

A previous report on the links between deprivation and education achievement in Northern Ireland pointed to academic selection favouring the better off.

From BBC

Sleep deprivation led to endocarditis, a rare and life-threatening infection of the heart’s inner lining.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• destitution
• hardship
• privation