deficient in

USAGE SUMMARY

"deficient in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of something or an area of weakness. For example, "The organization was deficient in leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

India is deficient in both.

The New York Times

But it is deficient in two respects.

The Guardian

Our city is deficient in charm.

The New Yorker

More than 50percentt were deficient in reading and almost 75percentt were deficient in math.

The New York Times

The Baa-Baas were painfully deficient in the latter department.

The Guardian - Sport

Peru is "very deficient in water and sewerage.

The Guardian

But it is seriously deficient in one important respect.

The New York Times

"Many people are deficient in vitamin D," said Prof Garland.

The Guardian

They're more deficient in social capital than in economic capital.

The New Yorker

That's one of the reasons why it is so deficient in intelligence.

The Guardian - Film

Compared with America, Britain is strangely deficient in leading Jewish poets.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficient in", clearly specify what the subject is lacking to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The plan is deficient", specify "The plan is deficient in detail".

Common error

Avoid using "deficient in" without specifying the area of deficiency. Saying something is "deficient" without context can be vague and unhelpful. Always clarify what aspect is lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficient in" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of lacking or being inadequate in a particular quality or substance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Huffington Post

15%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

1%

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deficient in" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack or inadequacy, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is versatile, fitting into various contexts from news and media to scientific writing. The phrase functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, and it's most effectively used when the area of deficiency is clearly specified. While alternatives like "lacking in" or "inadequate in" exist, "deficient in" remains a strong and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking in

Expresses a similar meaning of absence or shortage, but might imply a more general lack rather than a specific deficiency.

poor in

Suggests a low quantity or quality, often in comparison to a desired standard.

inadequate in

Indicates that something is not sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose.

wanting in

Implies a lack of essential qualities or components.

scarce in

Highlights the limited availability of something.

short on

Similar to lacking, but more informal and often used in spoken language.

weak in

Indicates a vulnerability or a below-average performance in a specific area.

low on

Similar to "short on", implying a limited supply or resource.

falling short in

Suggests a failure to meet expectations or requirements in a specific area.

missing

Implies a complete absence of something, rather than a deficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "deficient in" to indicate a lack or shortage of something. For instance, "The soil is "deficient in" nutrients" or "The project was "deficient in" planning".

What's a more formal alternative to "deficient in"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "lacking in" or "inadequate in". For example, instead of "The report is "deficient in" data", you could say "The report is "lacking in" data" or "The report is "inadequate in" data".

Is it correct to say "deficient at" instead of "deficient in"?

While "deficient" can be followed by different prepositions, "deficient in" is the more common and widely accepted usage to indicate a lack of something. "Deficient at" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to some speakers. It's better to use "deficient in".

What's the difference between "deficient in" and "lacking in"?

Both "deficient in" and "lacking in" indicate a shortage. However, "deficient in" often implies a specific and measurable lack, while "lacking in" can be more general. You might say someone is ""deficient in" vitamin D" (specific) or ""lacking in" social skills" (general).