deficient

American  

[dih-fish-uhnt] / dɪˈfɪʃ ənt /

adjective

1. lacking some element or characteristic; defective.

   deficient in taste.

2. insufficient; inadequate.

   deficient knowledge.

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noun

1. a person who is deficient, especially one who is mentally defective.

deficient British  

/ dɪˈfɪʃənt /

adjective

1. lacking some essential; incomplete; defective

2. inadequate in quantity or supply; insufficient

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Other Word Forms

• deficiently adverb
• nondeficient adjective
• nondeficiently adverb
• predeficient adjective
• predeficiently adverb
• undeficient adjective
• undeficiently adverb

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” ( do ¹ )

Example Sentences

Lacking one of their top players with guard Skyy Clark sidelined by a hamstring injury, the Bruins also were deficient in many other areas.

From Los Angeles Times

In a randomized clinical trial, magnesium increased vitamin D in people who were deficient, while reducing levels in those who already had high amounts.

From Science Daily

But what you eat can also help limit your risk of becoming iron deficient in the first place, according to Dr Pavord.

From BBC

A handful of trial firms are leading the charge, specializing in cookie-cutter cases that claim operators aren’t administering plans for the “sole benefit” of workers—alleging excessive investment or recordkeeping fees, or deficient investment performance.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a letter to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, it stated the bill is "manifestly deficient" and contains "almost no protections beyond those which already exist".

From BBC

Related Words

• defective
• faulty
• flawed
• impaired
• incomplete
• inferior
• insufficient
• lacking
• scarce
• skimpy
• unsatisfactory
• weak