deficiency

B1 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/ See IPA manual

Freq #21500

Meanings

1

noun
A lack of something needed, especially something essential to good health.

A vitamin D deficiency can make your bones weak.
2

noun
A fault or weakness; the state of not being good enough.

The report pointed out several deficiencies in the safety system.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · a lack of something needed,... lack shortage want

2 noun · a fault or weakness; the... inadequacy

Word family

Forms deficiencies

Derived forms bideficiencyhaplodeficiencyhematodeficiencyhyperdeficiencyimmunodeficiencyindeficiencyphosphodeficiencypseudodeficiency

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

mineral deficiency
a shortage of a mineral needed for normal nutrition or bodily function

Noun + noun

Etymology

From deficient + -cy. Compare Latin dēficientia.

Topics

Abstract Ideas

External links

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