deficient in something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficient in something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or insufficiency of a particular quality, skill, or resource. Example: "The report indicated that the team was deficient in necessary technical skills, which hindered their progress on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If there is something deficient in our political system, or if we are not happy with the political leaders we have, it is up to use to resolve those problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Notification Center – iOS has always been deficient in the notifications department, something Android hit hard on from its first release.

TechCrunch

"But the implication that there was something deficient in our procedures just is not correct". Ray said the valves that failed were not properly designed for the purpose they served.

Los Angeles Times

In the case of an Orthodox Jewish man asking a woman to change seats, it is not that the man is asserting that there is something deficient in him the effects of which will be alleviated by the woman moving, but rather exactly the opposite: he believes that there is something deficient about the woman that may interfere with his purity if he sits next to her.

Huffington Post

It's mostly just to distract themselves and their friends from something that is deficient in their lives.

WikiHow

As for city politics, Ford acted in disgusting fashion over the troubles of New York, and carried on as if there were something personally corrupt and deficient in the soul of New Yorkers themselves.

The New Yorker

But Ferguson's standing job is to attack the run, something the defense was glaringly deficient in during last season, even after it stabilized at midseason.

The New York Times - Sports

And as we spend more of our time than ever online – communicating, working, shopping and playing virtually – knitting offers something so many of us are deficient in: a connection to the here and now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is unknown whether certain nutrients are particularly deficient in oedematous malnutrition, but if so, it could be something usually provided in sufficient amounts in breast milk.

BMC Pediatrics

That's symptomatic of a production that seems to have lost something in crossing the Atlantic and is deficient in that spark that turns respect into rapture.

Independent

Thus the upcoming verticals may look radically different than the flight category but all will follow basic principles of logic, something Goldstein and Huffman say has been largely deficient in this industry.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficient in something", ensure that the 'something' is clearly defined and relevant to the context. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures that the meaning is easily understood.

Common error

While "deficient in something" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "lacking" or "short on" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficient in something" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun by describing a state of lacking or insufficiency. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deficient in something" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to describe a lack or insufficiency in a particular area. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure the 'something' is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. While versatile, consider using less formal alternatives like "lacking" in casual settings. This phrase serves to identify shortcomings and areas needing improvement. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's validity and broad applicability across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lacking in something

Emphasizes the absence of a particular quality or element.

Insufficient in something

Highlights that there is not enough of something.

Deficient with respect to something

More formal and specific, indicating a particular area of deficiency.

Falling short in something

Suggests a failure to reach a required standard or level.

Weak in something

Focuses on the inadequacy or frailty in a specific area.

Inadequate in something

Similar to insufficient, but can imply a more fundamental lack.

Poor in something

Indicates a low quality or limited amount of something.

Wanting in something

A more literary or old-fashioned way of saying lacking.

Underdeveloped in something

Suggests that a particular aspect is not as advanced or mature as it should be.

Limited in something

Implies a restriction or constraint in a particular area.

FAQs

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

You can use "deficient in something" to indicate a lack or insufficiency. For example, "The study found that many children are "deficient in vitamin D"".

What are some alternatives to "deficient in something"?

Some alternatives include "lacking in something", "insufficient in something", or "falling short in something", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "deficient in" or "lacking in"?

Both "deficient in" and "lacking in" are correct, but "deficient in" tends to be more formal. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does it mean to be "deficient in" a skill?

To be "deficient in" a skill means that you do not have enough of that skill, or that your skill level is below what is required or expected. For instance, someone might be "deficient in communication skills".