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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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
Thyroid issues, iron deficiency, rapid weight loss, stress, dehydration, aging, and overuse of skincare products can look similar.
—
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
The number of deaths directly attributed to vitamin K deficiency bleeding appears to be small — fewer than a dozen annually — but has started to climb in recent years, according to death certificate data from federal and state agencies.
—Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Without a vitamin K shot, babies can develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a condition where infants are at risk of bleeding into their intestines and brain.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Last year, just prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the company entered a settlement with the CFPB that aimed to fix the company’s deficiencies in its consumer dispute processes, although the agreement did not mention CFPB complaints specifically.
—Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 May 2026
The number of deaths directly attributed to vitamin K deficiency bleeding appears to be small — fewer than a dozen annually — but has started to climb in recent years, according to death certificate data from federal and state agencies.
—Duaa Eldeib, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Without a vitamin K shot, babies can develop vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a condition where infants are at risk of bleeding into their intestines and brain.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Last year, just prior to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the company entered a settlement with the CFPB that aimed to fix the company’s deficiencies in its consumer dispute processes, although the agreement did not mention CFPB complaints specifically.
—Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficiency
Noun
-
American officials also said Beijing would address rare earth shortages, although this was not mentioned in the corresponding statement from China.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
In England, the Women’s Super League’s commitment is attracting more and more talent to England, and at some point, Spain’s lack of investment in women’s football, not the club, will end up posing a problem for Barca — as seen in Arsenal’s triumph in the final over the Spanish side last year.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The temporary restraining order has been extended due to the lack of service.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
21 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
