deficiency of

USAGE SUMMARY

"deficiency of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a shortage or lack of something. For example: "The deficiency of experienced workers is creating a challenge for the company".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

People with the disease have a deficiency of an enzyme that breaks down phenylalanine, an amino acid in food.

The New York Times - Health

This deficiency of temperament has been devastating.

The New York Times

In pretty manner deplored deficiency of education.

The New Yorker

Blood tests revealed a severe deficiency of potassium, which plays an important role in muscle functioning.

The New York Times - Health

NitroMed says that blacks are also more likely to have a deficiency of nitric oxide.

The New York Times

Gaucher disease is an inherited deficiency of an enzyme the body needs to break down fats.

The New York Times

We ourself were suffering at the time from a deficiency of silver, and were rapidly outdistanced.

The New Yorker

Lack of Talent A number of people point to a seeming deficiency of talent.

The New York Times - Sports

It often seems that a deficiency of humor is a criterion of casting a candidate.

The New York Times

Worse, they attempt to compensate for their deficiency of funny by playing the dramedy card.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The syndrome is due to a deficiency of the enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, or HPRT.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficiency of", ensure that you clearly specify what is lacking. For example, instead of saying "There is a deficiency", specify "There is a deficiency of vitamin D".

Common error

While "deficiency of" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Try using synonyms like "lack of" or "shortage of" to vary your language and improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficiency of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a lack or shortage of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in English. Examples show its use in medical contexts (e.g., "deficiency of vitamin B12") and more abstract contexts (e.g., "deficiency of talent").

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deficiency of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to indicate a shortage or lack. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid in written English. It's most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While versatile, it's advisable to specify what is lacking and consider synonyms such as "lack of" or "shortage of" for varied writing. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, you can effectively communicate the concept of lacking in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of

Indicates a complete absence or insufficient amount of something.

shortage of

Suggests a temporary or acute lack of something necessary.

absence of

Emphasizes the non-existence or unavailability of something.

paucity of

Highlights a small or inadequate quantity of something.

scarcity of

Refers to a limited availability or rarity of something.

insufficiency of

Implies that something is not enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

dearth of

Indicates a severe lack or scarcity, often in a figurative sense.

inadequacy of

Suggests that something is not sufficient to meet a requirement or standard.

deficit of

Implies a shortfall or imbalance, especially in a measurable quantity.

want of

Indicates a need or lack, often in a formal or literary context.

FAQs

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

You can use "deficiency of" to indicate a lack or shortage. For example, "The patient showed a "deficiency of" vitamin B12".

What are some alternatives to "deficiency of"?

Alternatives include "lack of", "shortage of", and "absence of", which can be used depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "deficiency of" and "lack of"?

While both indicate a shortage, "deficiency of" often implies a measurable or quantifiable shortage, whereas "lack of" can refer to a complete absence or insufficient amount.

Which is more formal, "deficiency of" or "lack of"?

"Deficiency of" tends to be slightly more formal and is often used in medical or scientific contexts, while "lack of" is generally more common and versatile.