deficient compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficient compared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison to indicate that something is lacking or inferior in quality, quantity, or ability relative to something else. Example: "The new software is deficient compared to its predecessor in terms of user interface and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

However, the anti-bacterial activity was not completely deficient in the G908R protein since it targeted B. subtilis with comparable efficacy to the 3020insC LRR (although this activity was deficient compared to the wild-type LRR domains).

Plosone

If you are an introvert, you might have felt like you are in the minority or somehow deficient compared to all the extroverts that you see around you.

Yale University

After acid treatment, this layer was ~ 90 nm thick, predominantly composed of oxide species (~ 85 at.%), and Mg deficient compared to the alloy chemistry.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Direct analysis of epithelial permeability following intragastric FITC-Dextran administration showed an increase in leakage of this reporter into the blood of DOCK4 deficient compared to wild-type mice.

Harvard University

Ca was definitely detected at the boundary, while Si is deficient compared to the surrounding Opx.

Earth, Planets and Space

The proportion of helium is significantly deficient compared to the abundance of this element in the Sun.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Interestingly, no significant changes in RAD51 protein levels were observed in PTEN-deficient compared to wildtype cells (Fig. 3A).

Nature

Namely composition was Y-excess and Ba-deficient compared to the composition ratio of the nominal YBCO (Y:Ba Cu=16.5 33:50).

Physica C: Superconductivity

Consistent with these data, DAPI labeling experiments revealed a much-reduced frequency of mitoses in p56Lck-deficient compared to p56Lck-expressing Treg cells (Figure S1C).

Plosone

Subsequently, a study in the DMBA/TPA two-step mouse skin carcinogenesis model revealed an accelerated growth rate of papillomas in a p19Arf-deficient compared to a p53-deficient genetic background [10].

Plosone

This phenotypic constellation, by "tipping the scale" in favour of a strong defence may in part be responsible for the more favourable overall prognosis of patients with MMR-deficient compared to MMR-proficient tumors [9].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficient compared to", ensure you clearly specify the aspect in which something is lacking. For example, instead of saying "The software is deficient compared to others", specify "The software is deficient in user interface design compared to its competitors".

Common error

Avoid using "deficient compared to" without a clear reference point. Saying "The product is deficient" is less effective than saying "The product is deficient compared to the previous model" because the latter provides a specific benchmark for evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficient compared to" functions as an adjectival phrase used to describe something that is lacking or inadequate when measured against a specific standard or point of reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

20%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deficient compared to" is a grammatically correct and usable construction for indicating that something is lacking or inferior in comparison to a specific reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While it appears most frequently in scientific and academic contexts, it is versatile enough for use in news and general discussions. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always specify the area in which the deficiency exists to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "inferior to" and "lacking in comparison to" can be used for variety, but maintaining clarity should remain a priority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inferior to

Direct synonym, implying a lower quality or status.

lacking in comparison to

Focuses on the absence of certain qualities when contrasted with something else.

not as good as

Simple and direct comparison of quality.

less than

Emphasizes a quantitative difference or deficiency.

outmatched by

Suggests being surpassed in capability or performance.

falls short of

Indicates a failure to reach a certain standard or expectation.

subpar relative to

Highlights a performance or quality below the expected level.

does not measure up to

Suggests a failure to meet the standards or expectations set by another item.

at a disadvantage compared with

Focuses on the unfavorable position relative to others.

wanting in contrast to

Stresses the lack of essential qualities when directly compared.

FAQs

What does "deficient compared to" mean?

The phrase "deficient compared to" means that something lacks a certain quality or is inferior when assessed against something else. For example, a product might be deficient compared to a competitor's product in terms of features.

How can I use "deficient compared to" in a sentence?

Use "deficient compared to" to highlight a specific area where something falls short. For example: "The new model is "deficient compared to" the older version in battery life."

What are some alternatives to "deficient compared to"?

You can use alternatives like "inferior to", "lacking in comparison to", or "not as good as" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "deficient compared to" or "less than"?

The best choice depends on the context. "Deficient compared to" is suitable when highlighting a specific shortcoming or inadequacy in relation to something else. "Less than" is generally used for quantitative comparisons. For example, it's more accurate to say 'the budget is "less than"' instead of 'the budget is deficient compared to'.