deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
also
ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
1
: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation
especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice
2
: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss
overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods
the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation. She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This leads on to another societal challenge—addressing the issue of technological inequality and deprivation. Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 Five months later, federal prosecutors filed two federal charges of deprivation of civil rights against Hankison, but his initial case ended in a mistrial in 2023. Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 July 2025 How can Yuri know which of her family, friends and neighbors tells the truth, when the consequences can mean deprivation or jail? Jane Ciabattari july 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025 The cases against Meany — charged with two counts of deprivation of civil rights and two counts of lying to federal investigators — and Jaynes — charged with two counts of deprivation of civil rights, two counts of falsification of records and two counts of conspiracy — are still open. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deprivation

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deprivation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deprivation. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun
de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio) ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being
his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivationJack Fincher
sleep deprivation

More from Merriam-Webster on deprivation

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