deficiency in knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficiency in knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or insufficiency of understanding or information on a particular subject. Example: "The student's deficiency in knowledge about the subject matter was evident during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Studies indicate a deficiency in knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents, yet adolescents comprise 25% of the sexually active (SA) population and account for 48% of STIs acquired annually.

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

This indicates a serious deficiency in knowledge of basic maternal and neonatal care.

BMC Health Services Research

This study shows that though doctors had general knowledge of informed consent requirements, execution in practice was inadequate, with deficiency in knowledge of basic local laws and regulations.

BMC Medical Ethics

A significant deficiency in knowledge and skills has been observed among students who were not trained for family medicine in a PHCC setting.

BMC Medical Education

External peer judgements and most error taxonomies 6 9 consider that errors in patient examination, deficiency in investigation, or undertaking procedures signal a deficiency in knowledge and skills.

BMJ Quality and Safety

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Provider-related barriers include deficiencies in knowledge and skills (and ongoing educational opportunities), delays in referral, deficient communication, and deficient numbers of female health providers for female patients.

Journal of Surgical Research

In the clinic I never really feel that I might be deficient in examination skills, I think that I am more likely to have deficiencies in knowledge to interpret… I am quite capable of doing a physical examination (year 3, group 2, student 8).

Advances in Health Sciences Education

Testing of Universidad del Mar students also found widespread deficiencies in knowledge of basic curricula material.

The Guardian

And the reason I say that is because if you look at, over the last four years, all of the deficiencies in knowledge, all the deficiencies in preparedness, she's done not one thing to rectify them, to correct them.

Huffington Post

These deficiencies in knowledge appear to translate into inadequate preventive behavior patterns.

BMC Public Health

Two students were in clerkship and were felt to have significant and persistent deficiencies in knowledge and clinical reasoning.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "lack of knowledge" for broader audience appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "deficiency in knowledge" in informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "not knowing enough" or "lack of understanding" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficiency in knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state of lacking adequate information or understanding. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in academic and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deficiency in knowledge" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a lack of adequate information or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and scientific contexts. While accurate, simpler alternatives like "lack of knowledge" may be preferable in less formal settings. When using this phrase, be specific about the area where the deficiency exists. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news-related content, reflecting its role in identifying gaps in understanding that require attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of knowledge

This is a more common and direct way to express the same idea.

insufficient knowledge

Highlights that the knowledge is not adequate for a particular purpose.

inadequate knowledge

Similar to insufficient knowledge, stressing inadequacy.

knowledge gap

Focuses on the gap or absence of information.

absence of knowledge

Highlights a complete lack of information.

limited understanding

Emphasizes the restricted nature of comprehension.

poor understanding

Indicates a low quality of comprehension.

lack of awareness

Points to a general absence of recognition or understanding.

limited expertise

Focuses on the lack of specialized skill or knowledge.

want of knowledge

A more formal or archaic way of saying lack of knowledge.

FAQs

What's a simple substitute for "deficiency in knowledge"?

You can often replace "deficiency in knowledge" with the simpler phrase "lack of knowledge", which is more widely understood.

Is "deficiency in knowledge" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "deficiency in knowledge" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, phrases like "not knowing enough" might be more suitable.

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

Example: "The study revealed a significant "deficiency in knowledge" about basic first aid among the participants." Always specify the subject of the deficiency.

What's the difference between "lack of knowledge" and "deficiency in knowledge"?

The phrase "lack of knowledge" is a more common and general term, while "deficiency in knowledge" implies a specific area where knowledge is lacking and needing improvement.