deficiency

American  

[dih-fish-uhn-see] / dɪˈfɪʃ ən si /

Obsolete, deficience

noun

plural

deficiencies

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

   Synonyms:

   scarcity, paucity, inadequacy, shortage

2. the amount lacked; a deficit.

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deficiency British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• nondeficiency noun
• predeficiency noun

Etymology

Origin of deficiency

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

Example Sentences

While these drugs are effective at reducing stomach acid, using them longer than recommended by a physician may lead to nutrient deficiencies, including anemia, and may negatively affect bone health.

From Science Daily

Moves to address these "deficiencies" were underway, including the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative, "which aims to close air-defence gaps with off-the-shelf procurement of systems".

From Barron's

Beyond the Post situation, the author identifies a pattern of character deficiency across multiple sectors of leadership.

From Los Angeles Times

Discovery said it will discuss "deficiencies that remain unresolved and clarify certain terms of PSKY's proposed merger agreement."

From Barron's

U.S. standards call for higher iron levels to prevent deficiency, while the European Union requires more DHA, a nutrient that isn’t mandated by the FDA but can be found in most U.S. formulas.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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