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.

Scientists have long known that animals tend to crave protein-rich foods when deprived of protein, but exactly how the body senses this deficiency remained unclear.

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

B12 is clearly essential for the nervous system, and deficiency should not be ignored.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

They do, however, suggest that the current definition of B12 deficiency may be too blunt for brain health.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

In whose view inadequacy was mere idiosyncrasy, a character trait rather than a deficiency?

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

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