as in shortages
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deficiencies
The Lakers spent the first days of free agency addressing their shooting deficiencies.
—
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
It can be caused by pests, high temperatures, and mineral deficiencies or excess.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Because whatever deficiencies this squad might have, it’s backed by a massive, raucous army.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
The team can address some of its deficiencies at the trade deadline, but the Astros don’t have the prospect capital — or perhaps the financial appetite — to fix all that ails them.
—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Robinson’s value is complicated, as the elite rim protector and offensive rebounder has a history of ankle surgeries, and he’s been played off of the court in the postseason due to his free-throw-shooting deficiencies.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2026
The man who once catalogued Elizabeth’s social deficiencies while proposing marriage is now protecting her family’s reputation without an audience.
—
Literary Hub,
29 June 2026
In terms of both the presence of strengths and absence of deficiencies, Klepov might well be the highest potential prospect available in the teens.
—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
25 June 2026
Electoral authorities also dismissed a separate challenge filed by a private citizen seeking to annul votes cast in cities across the United States, France and Spain, citing similar procedural deficiencies, including lack of standing, late filing and nonpayment of fees.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2026
It can be caused by pests, high temperatures, and mineral deficiencies or excess.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 July 2026
Because whatever deficiencies this squad might have, it’s backed by a massive, raucous army.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
The team can address some of its deficiencies at the trade deadline, but the Astros don’t have the prospect capital — or perhaps the financial appetite — to fix all that ails them.
—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
Robinson’s value is complicated, as the elite rim protector and offensive rebounder has a history of ankle surgeries, and he’s been played off of the court in the postseason due to his free-throw-shooting deficiencies.
—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
29 June 2026
The man who once catalogued Elizabeth’s social deficiencies while proposing marriage is now protecting her family’s reputation without an audience.
—
Literary Hub,
29 June 2026
In terms of both the presence of strengths and absence of deficiencies, Klepov might well be the highest potential prospect available in the teens.
—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
25 June 2026
Electoral authorities also dismissed a separate challenge filed by a private citizen seeking to annul votes cast in cities across the United States, France and Spain, citing similar procedural deficiencies, including lack of standing, late filing and nonpayment of fees.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiencies
Noun
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The same brain-drain has affected Venezuelan schools, which suffered serious teacher shortages before the earthquake.
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For example, Schuetz hears complaints about the shortages of skilled labor, but the industry isn’t adopting process automation.
Noun
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In terms of athletic forwards with size, this is a body type that the Spurs’ roster lacks in numbers.
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Nothing beats a big package or a pipe to compensate for decorations, makeup, and other lacks.
Noun
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The Canadian catastrophe highlighted the inadequacies of the current system of supply and the lack of American credit.
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Connecting the Orioles’ fielding inadequacies in the majors directly to their lack of attention to defense in the minors would be a stretch; Rutschman, Henderson and Cowser all came up through their system.
Cite this Entry
“Deficiencies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiencies. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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