a slightly deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slightly deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not fully adequate or lacking in some aspect, often in a mild or nuanced way. Example: "The report was a slightly deficient analysis of the data, missing some key insights."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

When everyone takes it for granted that you've done the dirty – when, in fact, you haven't – it's difficult to shake the feeling that you're slightly deficient as a human being.

Vice

However, whether HptA is able to phosphorylate ArcA either in vitro or in vivo remains unanswered except that an hptA deletion strain was only slightly deficient in utilizing DMSO [ 14].

BMC Genomics

For the most part Joseph Millson offers a decent, bluff, soldierly Macbeth, but one slightly deficient in feverish imagination.

The Guardian

6F14 was identified as a slightly Chl deficient paromomycin resistant mutant on TAP+P plate in the dark.

F1000Research

Thompson and co-workers found that supplying lambs on a slightly Ca deficient diet with 0,5% or 1,0% zinc sulphate markedly reduced the net retention of calcium, as compared with control animals receiving no supplemental zinc [ 22].

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

TPSR results were correlated with the activity to reveal that molybdenum carbide with slightly deficient carbidic carbon (Mo2C0.96<Mo2C1.0) serves as an active site for CO2 hydrogenation.

Catalysis Today

The fact that icl1Δ mutants were only slightly deficient in vivo[ 33] suggests that the glyoxylate cycle has a minor contribution to S. cerevisiae fitness in vivo.

BMC Genomics

Wines that are slightly deficient in colour or acid may be blended with special wines as a means of correction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mutants deficient in pseudohyphal formation were tested in vivo; flo11Delta mutants were phenotypically neutral while flo8Delta, tec1Delta, and flo8Delta tec1Delta mutants were slightly deficient.

Duke University

However, compared with the reference pattern, mung bean protein is slightly deficient in threonine, total sulfur amino acids, lysine, and tryptophan [15].

Chemistry Central Journal

An analysis of the amino acid composition of the putative processed, mature, protein shows that latherin is slightly deficient in lysine and alanine, but remarkably enriched in leucine (23.6% for latherin versus 9.6% for the SwissProt cumulative average for all known proteins in that database; see Figure 1C).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slightly deficient", specify the aspect in which something is lacking to provide clarity and context to your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a slightly deficient" when the deficiency is significant. This phrase implies a minor flaw, so ensure it aligns with the actual extent of the inadequacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slightly deficient" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating a minor degree of inadequacy or lack. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slightly deficient" is used to describe something that has a minor flaw or is somewhat inadequate. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be useful to denote a limited or minor deficiency. Although no specific examples were found, the analysis suggests it is most commonly used in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include "somewhat inadequate" and "marginally lacking", allowing for nuanced expression. When using this phrase, ensure the degree of deficiency aligns with its mild implication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Somewhat inadequate

Indicates a degree of inadequacy that's moderate, similar to 'slightly deficient'.

Marginally lacking

Implies a small degree of deficiency, close in meaning to the original phrase.

A bit insufficient

Suggests a small shortfall, similar to 'slightly deficient'.

Mildly impaired

Focuses on the reduced functionality or quality, akin to being 'slightly deficient'.

Somewhat flawed

Highlights the presence of minor imperfections or defects.

A little imperfect

Emphasizes the absence of complete perfection, indicating a minor issue.

Slightly suboptimal

Indicates a condition that is less than the best or optimal, suggesting a minor deficiency.

Moderately weak

Highlights a relative lack of strength or intensity.

Minimally defective

Implies the presence of only small defects.

Hardly adequate

Highlights barely meeting minimum requirements but remaining limited.

FAQs

How can I use "a slightly deficient" in a sentence?

Use "a slightly deficient" to describe something that is not fully adequate or lacking in some aspect. For example, "The report was a "slightly deficient" analysis of the data, missing some key insights".

What are some alternatives to "a slightly deficient"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat inadequate", "marginally lacking", or "a bit insufficient" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a slightly deficient" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slightly deficient" is suitable for formal writing as long as it accurately conveys the degree of deficiency. However, consider more precise language if available.

What's the difference between "a slightly deficient" and "deficient"?

"A slightly deficient" implies a minor inadequacy, while "deficient" suggests a more significant lack or absence. The former is a weaker, more nuanced term.