deficient
Americanadjective
-
lacking some element or characteristic; defective.
deficient in taste.
-
insufficient; inadequate.
deficient knowledge.
noun
adjective
-
lacking some essential; incomplete; defective
-
inadequate in quantity or supply; insufficient
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of deficient
First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin dēficient-, stem of dēficiēns “failing,” present participle of dēficere “to fail, run short, lack, weaken,” from dē- de- + ficere, combining form of facere “to do, make” ( see also do 1)
Explanation
Deficient means not enough or not adequate. Maybe you were deficient in caffeine that day. Maybe you were lacking in study time. But no doubt about it: you came up with a deficient number of correct answers on the physics test. If your new car fund remains deficient, you don't have enough money to buy a new car. This presents a problem if your current car is deficient in some way — say, it no longer has enough engine power to drive up a hill. You may not feel you have what it takes to get a job, but the reality is you will have to choose between indulging your own deficiencies in this area or the car's.
Vocabulary lists containing deficient
Tuesdays with Morrie
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
50 Words from Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These provide calories but lack the sterols bees need, leaving colonies nutritionally deficient.
From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026
The agreement Barnett reached with LaBeouf “contained a deficient and unlawful NDA that is unenforceable,” under California’s Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act, according to the complaint.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026
"If it turns out the shipowners were deficient, they will expect the full force of the law," Lopez told reporters.
From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026
After MI5 apologised, we then showed that inquiries into what happened by MI5 and the government were deficient and unreliable, with further falsehoods provided to the court.
From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026
“You know he is as ungainly within as without. A deficient, ill-tempered, lowering, stupid fellow.”
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
