deficiency

[dih-fish-uhn-see] / dɪˈfɪʃ ən si /

NOUN

imperfection, inadequacy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

absence bug defalcation default deficit demerit dereliction loss need neglect paucity privation scantiness sin want

WEAK

inability to hack it insufficience

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abundance advantage enough excess perfection plenty strength strong point success sufficiency surplus

STRONG

accomplishment achievement

WEAK

adequacy faultlessness satisfaction superfluity

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.

The researchers found that protein deficiency increased attraction to protein-related nutrients while simultaneously reducing interest in sugar.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Iron deficiency anemia is especially common among pregnant women and adolescent girls in many developing countries.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

Without enough B12, things can go wrong, sometimes seriously, especially if deficiency is not recognized and treated.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

This is why B12 deficiency is taken seriously.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

Maize lacks digestible niacin, the amino acids lysine and tryptophan, necessary to make proteins and diets with too much maize can lead to protein deficiency and pellagra, a disease caused by lack of niacin.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

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