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
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Recent Examples of deficiency
It’s caused by a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, for which diet and alcohol use can be a factor.
—
Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 26 May 2025
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's Lines, are often caused by a temporary stoppage in nail growth and could indicate severe illness, zinc deficiency, or uncontrolled diabetes.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Ultimately, the expedition’s failure likely came down to a combination of factors, including dietary deficiencies, hubris and simple bad luck.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
The absence of the 10 men, who also utilized facility deficiencies that officials have long complained about in their escape, went unnoticed for hours.
—Jack Brook, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 26 May 2025
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's Lines, are often caused by a temporary stoppage in nail growth and could indicate severe illness, zinc deficiency, or uncontrolled diabetes.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Ultimately, the expedition’s failure likely came down to a combination of factors, including dietary deficiencies, hubris and simple bad luck.
—Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
The absence of the 10 men, who also utilized facility deficiencies that officials have long complained about in their escape, went unnoticed for hours.
—Jack Brook, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
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At the time Volkswagen was the first automaker to warn of a global chip shortage.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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The rights of property owners aren’t always given the appropriate amount of respect, especially in a time of housing shortages and rising rents.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Brandon Bell/Getty Images What To Know A chronic lack of inventory, partially due to the fact that homebuilders in the U.S. significantly underbuilt in the years following the 2008 crash, contributed to bringing U.S. home prices through the roof in recent years.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
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In American literature, this is perhaps a relatively recent phenomenon too, one that could be attributed to a lack of global (and local) educational foundation.—
Aram Mrjoian
June 6,
Literary Hub,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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