be deficient in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be deficient in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or insufficiency of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The study revealed that the participants were deficient in essential vitamins, which affected their overall health."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Serotonin has been shown to be deficient in individuals with PAH deficiency who exhibit executive function defects.

Genetics in Medicine

Dried fruit and nuts Nuts will provide protein which can be deficient in the vegan diet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As Mr. McCain would lack this, he would also be deficient in this broader appreciation for how technology affects lives.

The New York Times

Calcium is the mineral that is most likely to be deficient in the average diet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Typically, though, such a diet will also be deficient in many micronutrients.

The Economist

College soccer is thought to be deficient in cultivating talent, given the restriction of 20 games a season and the lack of top-flight competition.

The New York Times - Sports

An international group of researchers found that mice that were genetically engineered to be deficient in cannabinoid receptors ate 40percentt less than normal mice.

The New York Times - Health

His coaching was based on ball mastery which in 1953 was seen to be deficient in the English players, just as it is today.

The Guardian - Sport

Research has also shown that compared with those who do not use drugs, addicts tend to be deficient in a certain type of dopamine receptor, dubbed DR2.

The New York Times - Health

Although he regularly receives speaking invitations (like the one from Madeleine that occasioned his visit to Nantucket), he appears to be deficient in faith and spirituality.

The New York Times

The countries that had the highest rates of the disease, they noticed, also tended to be deficient in selenium, which is a trace element with antioxidant properties.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be deficient in", ensure you clearly state what is lacking and, if relevant, the consequences of the deficiency. For example, "The soil was deficient in nitrogen, leading to poor crop growth."

Common error

Avoid using "be deficient in" vaguely. Always specify what the subject is lacking to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The plan was deficient", specify "The plan was deficient in financial resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be deficient in" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of lacking or insufficiency. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as describing nutrient deficiencies or strategic shortcomings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be deficient in" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a lack or insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "be lacking in" exist, "be deficient in" often carries a slightly more formal tone. When using the phrase, clarity is key: specify the deficiency to avoid ambiguity. From nutritional deficiencies to strategic shortcomings, this phrase serves as a precise tool for identifying and communicating inadequacies across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be lacking in

This alternative directly replaces "deficient" with "lacking", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

exhibit a deficiency in

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes the observable nature of the lack.

be insufficient in

This alternative uses a more formal and direct synonym for "deficient", emphasizing inadequacy.

have a deficit in

This alternative frames the deficiency as a measurable shortage or imbalance.

demonstrate a shortage of

This alternative emphasizes the demonstrable absence of something.

be short on

This alternative is slightly more informal, suggesting a shortage or inadequacy.

prove inadequate in

This alternative emphasizes a failure to meet expectations or requirements.

be wanting in

This alternative, though less common, conveys a sense of something being absent or inadequate.

be sparse in

This alternative emphasizes a low quantity or concentration of something.

fall short in

This alternative focuses on not meeting a required standard or expectation.

FAQs

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

Use "be deficient in" to indicate a lack or insufficiency of something. For example, "The patient was found to be deficient in vitamin D" or "The team's strategy was deficient in its risk assessment."

What's a more formal alternative to "be deficient in"?

A more formal alternative is "be insufficient in" or "exhibit a deficiency in", which convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is there a less formal way to say "be deficient in"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "be lacking in" or "be short on" for a less formal tone.

How does "be deficient in" differ from "be defective in"?

"Be deficient in" implies a lack or insufficiency, while "be defective in" suggests a flaw or malfunction. For example, a diet can be deficient in vitamins, but a machine can be defective in its design.