deprivation

American  

[dep-ruh-vay-shuhn] / ˌdɛp rəˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

• deprivations
  plural

1. the act of depriving.

2. the fact of being deprived.

3. dispossession; loss.

4. removal from ecclesiastical office.

5. privation.

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deprivation British  

/ ˌdɛprɪˈveɪʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of depriving

2. the state of being deprived

   social deprivation

   a cycle of deprivation and violence

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nondeprivation
  noun
• predeprivation
  noun
• self-deprivation
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• deprivations
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of deprivation

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

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Explanation

A state of deprivation means something is missing, and the situation is serious. If you're suffering from sleep deprivation, you haven't slept in a long time. If you know the word deprive — meaning to keep something away from someone — then you’re close to knowing what deprivation means. It describes the state of not having something. Poor people experience a lot of deprivation: poverty keeps them from having enough food or shelter. Plants experiencing water deprivation will shrivel up and die. If you’re grounded your parents might impose video game deprivation, although this word is usually reserved for when you’re lacking something really serious.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deprivation deprivations

"Japan is often described as a country suffering from sleep deprivation, and people here are very diligent," Riichiro Nakama, creative director at organiser Koala Sleep Japan, the mattress company.

From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026

Earning a strong salary from one country while temporarily living somewhere with dramatically lower expenses can create a powerful financial advantage without requiring the deprivation normally associated with aggressive saving.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

Longtime Cuba observers say that there is little chance that increased deprivation will spark a popular rebellion.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

Trust founder Sue Sayers said seals resting on beaches were regularly being disturbed by people, causing stress, injury and sleep deprivation.

From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026

Otherwise, Ezzo warns, sleep deprivation might “negatively impact an infant’s developing central nervous system” and lead to learning disabilities.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt

He added, “These deprivations, while grievous, do not infringe upon any deeply rooted constitutional right.”

From Salon ● Sep. 12, 2026

Such support can come with deprivations as well as gratifications.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026

"When hazards overlap or strike repeatedly, they compound existing deprivations."

From Barron's ● Oct. 17, 2025

And it promised that all persons would be protected against deprivations of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

From Slate ● May 8, 2024

Although I understand the deprivations our people suffer I must make it clear that the level of crime in the township is unhealthy and must be eliminated as a matter of urgency.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

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Related Words

• destitution
• hardship
• privation

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