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Showing results for deficient. Search instead for definient.
Definitions

deficient

[dih-fish-uhnt] / dɪˈfɪʃ ənt /
ADJECTIVE
imperfect, inadequate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
defective faulty flawed impaired incomplete inferior insufficient lacking scarce skimpy unsatisfactory weak
WEAK
amiss bad damaged exiguous found wanting infrequent injured marred meager not cut out for not enough not make it not up to scratch outta gas rare scant scanty second fiddle second string short shy sketchy third-string unassembled unequal unfinished wanting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abundant adequate enough perfect strong sufficient
WEAK
ample excessive faultless flawless satisfactory superfluous

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.

I write here, understand, as a deficient moralist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

These provide calories but lack the sterols bees need, leaving colonies nutritionally deficient.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

The agreement Barnett reached with LaBeouf “contained a deficient and unlawful NDA that is unenforceable,” under California’s Stand Together Against Non-Disclosure Act, according to the complaint.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"If it turns out the shipowners were deficient, they will expect the full force of the law," Lopez told reporters.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

“You know he is as ungainly within as without. A deficient, ill-tempered, lowering, stupid fellow.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens