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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
deficient in quantity
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "deficient in quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is an insufficient amount of something. Example: "The supplies were found to be deficient in quantity, leading to delays in the project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
'Defective' seed was thus both deficient in quantity and in quality, being 'vitious, or unfit for Generation'.
Science
Causes of stunting are well known and range from poverty at the societal and household levels to the interaction between diets deficient in quantity or quality and infection at the individual level (1).
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Once ChEs become critically deficient in quality and quantity, ACh signaling will be uncontrollably aberrant and persistent.
Science
Data available for training a neural network may be deficient not only in quantity of data but entire independent variables with their data may be missing such as is often the situation for software engineering data.
Science
Infants with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) induced respiratory failure have been shown to be deficient in surfactant, both in quantity and ability to reduce surface tension.
Science
The inclusion criteria were individuals with deficient keratinized mucosa, both in quantity and quality, without systemic complications that could contraindicate the surgical procedures, and that provided written informed consent to participate in the study.
Science
Although China formerly was regarded as deficient in iron ores, huge quantities of varying grades of ores have been discovered that are widely distributed and often located close to coal supplies.
Encyclopedias
These data indicate that Wnt ligands secreted by oto-deficient cells are mature, active, and greater in quantity due to reduced Oto-mediated ER retention.
Science
Under pathologic conditions of the adrenal cortex in which the hormone aldosterone can be either secreted in excess or in deficient quantities.
Wiki
Although T. reesei produces cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases in high quantities, it is deficient in β-glucosidase [ 32].
Numerous other elements are required only in trace quantities; certain soils may be deficient in boron, copper, zinc, or molybdenum, making it necessary to add very small quantities of these.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing deficiencies, be specific about what is "deficient in quantity". Provide context, such as "The food supply was deficient in quantity due to the drought".
Common error
Avoid using "deficient in quantity" when you actually mean "deficient in quality". Quantity refers to the amount, while quality refers to the characteristics or attributes.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
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Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "deficient in quantity" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that lacks a sufficient amount or number. Ludwig examples show its use in scientific and general contexts to indicate a shortage or inadequacy.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
30%
Wiki
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "deficient in quantity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the state of something lacking an adequate amount. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most often in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. While related phrases like ""lacking in quantity"" or ""insufficient in quantity"" can be used as alternatives, it's important to ensure that the context aligns with the meaning of a specific amount being inadequate rather than a characteristic or attribute being of poor quality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Lacking in quantity
Emphasizes the absence or shortage of a measurable amount.
Insufficient in quantity
Highlights that the amount is not enough to meet a need or requirement.
Scarce in amount
Indicates that the available amount is limited and hard to find.
Limited in volume
Specifically refers to a restriction in the physical space or capacity.
Inadequate in number
Focuses on the insufficient count or tally of items.
Low in supply
Describes a situation where the readily available stock is minimal.
Meager in proportion
Suggests the amount is unsubstantial compared to what is expected or needed.
Reduced in measure
Highlights a decrease or diminution in the total quantity.
Short in amount
Indicates an existing deficit or insufficiency in the quantity present.
Limited in scope
Emphasizes restriction to the extent or reach, not directly related to quantity but shares a similar concept of limitation.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "deficient in quantity"?
Alternatives include "lacking in quantity", "insufficient in quantity", or "scarce in amount" depending on the context.
Is it better to say "deficient in quantity" or "lacking quantity"?
"Deficient in quantity" and "lacking in quantity" are both grammatically correct, but "deficient in quantity" often implies a standard or expectation that is not met, while "lacking quantity" simply states a shortage.
What does it mean when something is "deficient in quantity"?
It means that there is not enough of something. For instance, a diet that is "deficient in quantity" does not provide enough food or calories.
Can "deficient in quantity" also imply poor quality?
No, "deficient in quantity" specifically refers to the amount. If something is both lacking in amount and of poor quality, it's more accurate to say it's "deficient in both quantity and quality".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested