How to Use deficiency in a Sentence

deficiency

noun
  • The accident was caused by deficiencies in the engine.
  • The book's major deficiency is its poor plot.
  • There are several deficiencies in his plan.
  • The disease may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.
  • Like so many things in life, iron deficiency can sneak up on you.
    — Christina Pérez, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2023
  • Here’s what to know about iron deficiency and how to fix it.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 19 May 2026
  • Away from home, their deficiencies look more stark.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In the sports world, athletes wear their flaws and deficiencies on their sleeves.
    — Punit Dhillon, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2023
  • Is matcha linked to iron deficiency?
    — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In the case of zinc and copper, too much zinc can cause a copper deficiency.
    — Maggie O'Neill, Health, 19 Sep. 2023
  • The squad still has clear deficiencies, but the win against Chelsea last time out was a huge boost.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, since iron does not move well in the plant, its deficiency is first noticed on new growth.
    — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 26 July 2025
  • Please be aware of its many deficiencies and sorry in advance!
    — Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2023
  • Dietary iron deficiency is the most common cause across the globe.
    — Nicholas Kassebaum, The Conversation, 8 Sep. 2023
  • One of the produce area handwash sinks had the same deficiency.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
  • But over time, being unique became a weapon — not a deficiency.
    — Tim Chan, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2021
  • This type of anemia occurs when red blood cells grow too large due to a folate deficiency.
    — Trang Tran, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Changes in hair, such as brittle or dry hair, can be a sign of nutrient deficiency.
    — Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
  • High doses of zinc over time can also lead to a copper deficiency.
    — Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 17 May 2024
  • Some will not have a sense of humor—but be embarrassed at this deficiency.
    — Womensmedia, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2021
  • Symptoms of severe protein deficiency can show up in the skin as well.
    — Victoria Moorhouse, Allure, 30 July 2025
  • Her litany of woes traces the limits of science and the deficiencies of healthcare.
    — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2023
  • The postseason has a way of weeding out the groups with clear deficiencies.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Despite the score’s deficiencies, the vocalists were on top of their parts and spot-on in their roles.
    — Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2024
  • The catechins in green tea may raise the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The deficiency has been linked to changes in the ocean ecosystem, where salmon have been feeding on more anchovies.
    — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024
  • The deficiency was caused due to defects in the Pdha2 gene.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Cook signing should help fix that deficiency.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • That has allowed the Dodgers to hide their deficiencies in the bullpen – and ask less of their offense.
    — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That’s a bad recipe for a CU team that’s yet to solve its deficiencies in the trenches.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deficiency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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