deficient in knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficient in knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who lacks sufficient understanding or information about a particular subject. Example: "The student was found to be deficient in knowledge regarding the historical events discussed in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the U.S., Gagliardi et al. has indicated that most teachers are deficient in knowledge of emergency care and basic life support modalities [ 25].

BMC Pediatrics

Key informant-identified factors that likely contribute to the detection deficit include: many practitioners are deficient in knowledge regarding oral cancer and precancer; oral cancer screening examinations are limited regarding which patients receive them and the elements included.

BMC Public Health

Staff nurses, who are the major care providers in these settings, were very deficient in knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of PPH.> -wrap-foot> Highergher Facility; CHC - CommuniTalukalth Centre; TH – Taluka (sub district) Hospital DH District Hospital PVT -VT - Postpartumspital; ANM – Auxiliary Nurse Midwife; PPhemorrhagertum hemorrhage; IV – Intravenous.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

A routine evaluation by a V.R.C. examination board found Oliver deficient in military knowledge and ability and rejected the application, echoing Greene's assessment.

The New York Times

"I was rather deficient in my knowledge of French opera," Jellinek said, and when he went on to attribute this deficiency to the Francophobia by which Hungary was gripped between the world wars, I felt yet another stir of childhood memory.

The New Yorker

Mr. Simpson's report, based on an extended study he conducted as a deputy examiner for the State Department, said that most Foreign Service applicants were handicapped by "an abysmal ignorance of so elementary a subject as the geography of the United States, deficient in a knowledge of even contemporary culture" and "pitifully uninformed" on basic questions of the society in which they lived.

The New York Times

New hires coming from campuses are badly deficient in their knowledge and understanding of safety culture, he notes.

Science Magazine

Nigerian mothers are deficient in their knowledge of colic.

BMC Pediatrics

Nigerian mothers are deficient in their knowledge of cause and course of infantile colic.

BMC Pediatrics

Patients who need to take multiple medications are usually deficient in medication knowledge [ 3] especially the elderly.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficient in knowledge", be specific about the area of knowledge that is lacking to provide clarity and context. For example, "deficient in knowledge of modern physics" is more informative than simply "deficient in knowledge".

Common error

Avoid using "deficient in knowledge" when a milder term like "unfamiliar with" or "new to" would be more appropriate. Overstating the lack of knowledge can sound harsh or judgmental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficient in knowledge" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to describe a state of lacking sufficient information or understanding. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deficient in knowledge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase indicating a lack of information or understanding about a specific subject. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is appropriate for formal writing and speech. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, caution should be exercised to ensure a milder term isn't more appropriate, as overstating the deficiency can be perceived negatively. Alternatives such as "lacking knowledge" or "unfamiliar with" may be suitable in certain situations to soften the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lacking knowledge

Uses a simpler verb construction and omits the preposition "in".

Without knowledge of

A more explicit and somewhat formal way of stating the absence of knowledge.

Insufficiently informed

Emphasizes the state of being informed rather than the lack of knowledge itself.

Not knowledgeable about

Directly states the absence of knowledge on a particular subject.

Unfamiliar with

Highlights a lack of acquaintance or experience with a subject.

Uninformed about

Focuses on the state of not having received relevant information.

Ignorant of

Implies a more pronounced lack of knowledge, potentially suggesting a lack of awareness.

Limited understanding of

Emphasizes the depth of comprehension rather than the complete absence of knowledge.

Uneducated in

Suggests a lack of formal training or instruction in a particular area.

Poorly versed in

Indicates a shallow understanding or limited familiarity with a topic.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "deficient in knowledge" to sound less negative?

Consider using phrases like "unfamiliar with", "new to", or "still learning about" depending on the context to soften the tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a deficient in knowledge"?

No, the correct usage is "deficient in knowledge". The article "a" is not used before "deficient" in this context.

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

While both phrases convey a lack of knowledge, "deficient in knowledge" can sometimes imply a more significant or problematic lack. "Lacking knowledge" is often a more neutral way to express the same idea.

Can I use "deficient in knowledge" to describe a system or process?

Yes, "deficient in knowledge" can be used to describe a system or process that lacks necessary information or understanding. For example, "The system is deficient in knowledge regarding real-time data analysis".