a major deficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major deficiency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant lack or shortcoming in a particular area, such as skills, resources, or performance. Example: "The report highlighted a major deficiency in the company's safety protocols that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

However, the majority of remote access laboratories developed to date have suffered from a major deficiency, namely the provision of a web-based environment that accurately recreates the group working and tutor driven experience of traditional on-campus based laboratories.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

"It is a major deficiency that must be addressed".

The New Yorker

Recently a major deficiency in numerical stability of existing Monte Carlo coupling schemes was identified.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

A major deficiency in forest remote sensing is tree species identification.

Remote Sensing of Environment

Similarly, lack of protection against rainfall and other environmental factors was shown to be a major deficiency in the tractors.

Biosystems Engineering

The aim of this paper is to suggest an effective procedure to eliminate a major deficiency in impressed current cathodic protection (CP).

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Here, I summarize a potentially major deficiency in how the relationship between exact and heuristic methods has been presented: the above comparisons have all been done using relatively simple (linear) maximum coverage or minimum set models that are by definition solvable using integer programming.

Biological Conservation

Major deficiency is a deficiency that directly affects the soundness of the loan.

Cornell University

This particular case highlights the major deficiency of a galactomannan-based diagnostic algorithm: that the diagnosis of other emerging invasive moulds - albeit rare at present - may be delayed or missed.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The FCA is the most commonly applied analysis, its major deficiency being an underestimation of 15 to 40%% of the wind magnitude at MF/HF, but not its direction, for an ideally configured small system.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

The third major deficiency was an inadequate appreciation of the co-evolution of genes and culture the idea that culture operates in reciprocally causal ways with the biologically mediated features of human nature.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider the tone of your writing when pointing out "a major deficiency". Strive for constructive criticism rather than accusatory language, which might be considered impolite in business, or academic environments.

Common error

Avoid using "a major deficiency" for trivial or easily rectified problems. Reserve this phrase for situations where the lack truly has significant consequences or impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major deficiency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a significant lack or shortcoming. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in academic, scientific, and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major deficiency" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a significant lack or shortcoming across varied contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Analysis of its usage reveals its prevalence in scientific, news media, and academic domains. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the lacking element and its consequences. While suitable for formal settings, always adjust the tone to maintain constructive criticism. Alternatives such as "a significant weakness" or "a critical flaw" may offer nuanced expressions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant weakness

Emphasizes the substantial nature of the weakness.

a critical flaw

Highlights a crucial defect or fault.

a substantial drawback

Focuses on the considerable disadvantage presented.

a serious shortcoming

Indicates a grave lack or inadequacy.

a fundamental problem

Points to an essential or basic issue.

a key vulnerability

Highlights a significant area of susceptibility.

a notable gap

Indicates a conspicuous absence or lack.

a glaring omission

Emphasizes a very obvious exclusion or oversight.

a considerable lapse

Focuses on a significant failure or error.

a marked inadequacy

Highlights a distinct lack of sufficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "a major deficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "a major deficiency" to point out a significant lack or shortcoming in something. For instance, "A major deficiency in the project plan was the lack of risk assessment."

What are some alternatives to saying "a major deficiency"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a significant weakness", "a critical flaw", or "a serious shortcoming".

Is it appropriate to use "a major deficiency" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major deficiency" is suitable for formal writing, especially when pointing out critical issues that need attention. However, ensure that the tone remains constructive.

What is the difference between "a major deficiency" and "a minor deficiency"?

"A major deficiency" implies a significant and impactful lack, while "a minor deficiency" suggests a small and less consequential issue. The choice depends on the severity of the shortcoming.