deficiency

noun

di-ˈfi-shən-sē How to pronounce deficiency (audio)
Definition of deficiencynext
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number there is a deficiency of fresh food in the diet of many of the working poor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deficiency Everybody is low, so the deficiency becomes normalized—‘normal’ is deficient. — Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2026 No one would blame them, however, for privately feeling frustrated over the complete deficiency of leads. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026 Carvalho’s attorneys also argued he was singled out for alleged deficiencies in his Form 700 financial disclosures. — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 His cause of death was complications of an autoimmune deficiency that led to heart failure, per his brother. — Makena Gera, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
  1. shortage
  2. lack
Noun
  • The audit found the programme was already six to 12 months behind schedule because of construction delays and shortages of key components.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Democratic senators demanded answers about conditions on the ship after reports of broken plumbing, food shortages, and mental health crisis.
    — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • This lack of choice pushed some buyers toward used cars to better fit their budgets.
    — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Serbian hydrology expert Dejan Vladikovic said the current drought is the combination of a lack of winter snow and a very dry spring.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of lack

Browse Nearby Words

deficiencies
deficiency
deficient
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Cite this Entry

“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deficiency

Nglish: Translation of deficiency for Spanish Speakers

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