deficiency

USAGE SUMMARY

"deficiency" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a lack or absence of something, for example: "The deficiency of fruit in my diet meant I wasn't getting enough vitamins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Half of those over 75 in hospital are reckoned to be nutrient-deficient, as are many obese people.Nutrient deficiency is not easy to cure.

The Economist

Problem: More than 3 million children in Africa suffer from blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency; in Uganda it is estimated that 28% of children are deficient.

The Guardian

At first I refused to acknowledge it had anything to do with the accident, and Googled "iron deficiency" since I'd not been eating much meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arreaza is one of a small circle with access to Chávez, who the government says is battling a "respiratory deficiency" following a post-operative respiratory infection that required a tracheal tube.

The Guardian

None of my symptoms matched an iron deficiency but I bought iron tablets anyway.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example, we know rates of iron deficiency are high among young children and pregnant women in developing nations.

The Guardian

Not only is this dubious parenting proposal, wherein the GOP would formally affirm an alleged moral deficiency of gay Americans, necessarily at odds with the recommendations of the Preibus report, but it pits party leadership at odds with a majority of Americans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Iron deficiency in their adolescent years makes it difficult for girls to reach their full potential as adults, both in their working and personal lives.

The Guardian

This year nearly all the major events this red carpet season from the Grammys and the Golden Globes to the Oscars and the Baftas have been accused of the same glaring deficiency: a distinct lack of colour.

The Guardian

Anaemia is particularly severe, and iron deficiency is a common, damaging child health and stunting development.

The Guardian

We've all laughed at his steel-cut oats and his obsession with pilates and his fretful concern about developing a vitamin D deficiency, but the man absolutely cuts to the chase: a number of people in professional politics are terrified that the life they love will kill them if they aren't careful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health, specify the type of "deficiency", such as "vitamin D deficiency" or "iron deficiency", to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using the term "deficiency" without specifying what is lacking. For example, instead of saying "There is a deficiency", specify "There is a deficiency of resources" for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The noun "deficiency" functions to denote a state of lacking something necessary or desirable. Ludwig AI shows examples in contexts ranging from nutrient deficiencies to skill deficiencies. It commonly describes the absence or inadequacy of essential elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "deficiency" is a commonly used noun that describes a lack or inadequacy of something. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable word in written English. As exemplified by Ludwig, its uses span various contexts, from nutritional health to skill sets. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. To enhance clarity, it is often best to specify what exactly is lacking. Alternatives include "lack", "shortage", and "inadequacy". Understanding the nuances of "deficiency" allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack

This alternative directly indicates the absence of something, similar to "deficiency".

shortage

This term implies an insufficient amount of something needed.

inadequacy

This emphasizes the insufficient or unsuitable nature of something.

insufficiency

This highlights that there is not enough of something.

scarcity

This suggests a limited availability of something.

paucity

This indicates a small or insufficient quantity of something.

dearth

This term means a lack or scarcity of something.

absence

This directly states that something is not present.

want

This implies a need or lack of something.

deficit

This suggests a shortfall or imbalance, often in a financial or quantitative sense.

FAQs

How to use "deficiency" in a sentence?

You can use "deficiency" to describe a lack or shortage of something, for example, "The study revealed a widespread vitamin D "deficiency" in the population".

What can I say instead of "deficiency"?

You can use alternatives like "lack", "shortage", or "inadequacy" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vitamin deficiency" or "deficient in vitamins"?

Both phrases are correct, but "vitamin "deficiency"" is more concise and commonly used. "Deficient in vitamins" is also acceptable and provides more detail.

What's the difference between "deficiency" and "deficit"?

"Deficiency" generally refers to a lack or shortage of something essential, like nutrients or resources. "Deficit", on the other hand, often refers to a shortfall, especially in financial terms, such as a budget "deficit".