DEFICIENCY Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

deficiency

noun

di-ˈfi-shən-sē

Definition of deficiency

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deficiency Most hair loss supplements are too generalized to address specific nutritional deficiencies, and any hair loss serum should have clinical trials to back it up, Kingsley says. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 My numbers reveal low iron, a vitamin-D deficiency, elevated cholesterol (likely genetic), and a sluggish thyroid that will require follow-up testing back home. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026 Low-carb diets may improve blood sugar and weight loss short term but can lead to energy dips and nutrient deficiencies. — Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 The inspector noted improper date marking and food storage, as well as a lack of hot water and deficiencies in employee hygiene, according to the spokesperson. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deficiency

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency

Noun

Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortage

Noun

This pilot is meant to address a gap the district saw in a lack of specialized personnel to provide prevention education, community engagement and intervention protocols for students using substances.

— Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 3 Sep. 2026
As a result, Japan finds itself in a precarious position, caught between a lack of locals to fill roles in the workforce and a distrust of immigrants who can provide labor.

— Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of lack

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deficiencies

deficiency

deficient

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“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of deficiency

noun

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