deficient ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficient ability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or inadequacy in a particular skill or capability. Example: "The candidate's deficient ability to communicate effectively raised concerns during the interview process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The plan of the at-home-service for children with developmental delay: For those children that can not attend kindergartens, nurseries or early intervention organizations to receive EIS due to various factors such as the deficient ability of their guardians, the inconvenience of transportation, lack of education resources, economic difficulties, etc.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

According to current belief, the deficient ability to persist in tracking is part of a PD related frontal cortical dysfunction.

Plosone

This finding supports the hypothesis that a deficient ability to sit still remains a defining feature of the disorder in adults when it is measured objectively.

BMC Psychiatry

That is, a deficient ability to resist PI may complicate a rapid decline of these intrusive memories and may thus constitute a vulnerability factor for their persistence.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

In terms of muscle substitution, it is generally thought that the RA increases its activation level to make up for a deficient ability to activate IO [ 16].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

This earlier retrospective finding gives some support to the notion that a deficient ability to resist interference from irrelevant material in working memory may set people at risk for persistent intrusions in the aftermath of a stressful or traumatic event.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And while the publishing of this mediocre cartoon has offended many, this situation is a much larger indicator of the uncultured and deficient abilities of Yaakov Kirschen and The Signal Newspaper to produce real and sensible journalism.

Huffington Post

Third, cell biology studies found that several of the TLR6 variants were deficient in ability to mediate signal transduction.

Plosone

Failure of axons to regenerate following acute or chronic neuronal injury is attributed to both the inhibitory glial environment and deficient intrinsic ability to re-grow.

Plosone

The persistence of traumatic fear memories in PTSD suggests this disorder might be associated with extinction deficits [ 20- 23], consistent with an interpretation of PTSD as a syndrome of deficient extinction ability [ 24].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

In therapeutic settings, patients with shoulder pain often exhibit deficient coordinative abilities in their trunk and lower extremities.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficient ability", specify the particular skill or area where the deficiency exists for clarity. For example, "deficient ability in problem-solving".

Common error

While "deficient ability" is grammatically correct, consider using more common or accessible language like "poor ability" or "lack of skill" in informal contexts to avoid sounding overly formal or clinical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficient ability" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deficient" modifies the noun "ability". It describes a state of lacking or having an inadequate level of a specific competence, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples concerning developmental delays and cognitive functions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deficient ability" serves as a grammatically sound means to pinpoint and describe an inadequacy or absence of competence in a given skill or area. While Ludwig AI states the phrase is usable in written English, its occurrence is relatively uncommon. It is most frequently found within scientific and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area of deficiency and consider more common alternatives like "poor ability" in informal settings. While generally correct, it is important to maintain awareness of the potential for sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor ability

This alternative is a more common and general way to describe a lack of skill.

weak ability

This alternative implies a less severe deficiency than "deficient ability".

inadequate ability

This alternative emphasizes that the ability is not sufficient for a particular purpose.

lacking ability

This alternative is a straightforward way of stating that the ability is absent.

incomplete ability

This alternative suggests that the ability is partially developed, but not fully.

patchy ability

This alternative implies that the ability is inconsistent, strong in some areas but weak in others.

retarded ability

This alternative is a more clinical term, suggesting a developmental delay in the ability.

defective ability

This alternative suggests a flaw or malfunction in the ability.

unsatisfactory ability

This alternative states that the ability does not meet expectations or requirements.

imperfect ability

This alternative indicates that the ability is not flawless, but may still be functional.

FAQs

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

You can use "deficient ability" to describe a lack or inadequacy in a particular skill or capability. For example: "The student's deficient ability in mathematics hindered their progress in the course."

What are some alternatives to "deficient ability"?

Alternatives to "deficient ability" include "poor ability", "weak ability", or "inadequate ability", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "deficient ability" and "lack of ability"?

"Deficient ability" suggests a measurable inadequacy, while "lack of ability" simply indicates the absence of a particular skill. They are often interchangeable, but "deficient ability" might imply a more nuanced assessment of performance.

Which is more appropriate to use in a formal context, "deficient ability" or "poor ability"?

"Deficient ability" is generally more appropriate in formal or technical contexts, while "poor ability" is suitable for more casual or general communication.