he is deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "he is deficient" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a complete sentence that conveys that the subject (he) lacks something or is inadequate in some way. Example: John was unable to complete the task because he is deficient in the necessary knowledge and skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But ABC's Miller Dilemma is this: it dreams of having classic games like Monday night's, and yet such riveting broadcasts will restrict Miller's verbal reveries and point him toward too much football analysis, at which he is deficient.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As a freshman at LaGuardia, Angel Payero, 18, took the necessary assessment tests in August and discovered that he was deficient in reading, writing and math.

The New York Times

The movie was directed by Richard Eyre, who, famous for his many theatre productions here and in England, must have been worried that someone would say he was deficient in cinematic skills, because he sends the camera racing in and out of theatres and up and down streets in pointless dynamism.

The New Yorker

The result was that he was deficient in reading and marginal in math.

Huffington Post

"He was deficient in the jaw, along its border, so we basically built out the entire jaw, squaring it off just like Ryan Gosling's," said Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Tim Nevin.

Huffington Post

"This is precisely constitutionally the kind of bill within which we should be intervening if indeed the legislation is deficient," he said.

The Guardian

This attempt at a proof on Bolzano's part, however, is deficient, as he himself observed.

SEP

He appears to argue that the HRA is deficient in the protection afforded from the rights it claims to uphold.

The Guardian - Opinion

He then lists exactly how Apple's board structure is deficient and concludes that Mr. Jobs was right.

The New York Times

Even Saddam is deficient here.

The Guardian

India is deficient in both.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is deficient", specify the area or skill in which the person is lacking to provide clarity and context. For example, "He is deficient in advanced calculus".

Common error

Avoid using "he is deficient" without specifying the deficiency. This can come across as vague and overly critical. Be specific to ensure your statement is constructive and understandable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is deficient" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying "he" to describe a state of lacking or being inadequate. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and conveys that the subject lacks something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is deficient" is a grammatically correct way to express that someone lacks a particular quality or skill. While Ludwig AI shows it is not a very common phrase, the examples available indicate that it is primarily used in news and media or scientific contexts to point out shortcomings. When using this phrase, it is best to specify the area in which the person is deficient to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Related phrases such as "he lacks" or "he is inadequate" can be used as alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he lacks

Focuses on the absence of something, whether tangible or intangible.

he is lacking

Similar to "he lacks", but with a continuous aspect, suggesting an ongoing deficiency.

he is inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency or unsuitability of the person for a specific purpose or task.

he is not up to par

An idiomatic expression indicating that someone's performance or quality is below the expected standard.

he falls short

Indicates that someone fails to reach a required standard or expectation.

he doesn't measure up

Emphasizes the failure to meet a certain level or standard.

he is weak in

Highlights a specific area where someone's skills or abilities are not strong.

he is not proficient in

Indicates a lack of expertise or skill in a particular area.

he is unskilled in

Focuses on the absence of learned abilities or training in a specific area.

he is inept at

Highlights a general lack of skill or competence.

FAQs

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

The phrase "he is deficient" is used to indicate that someone lacks a particular quality, skill or attribute. For example: "He is deficient in leadership skills" or "He is deficient in vitamin D".

What are some alternatives to saying "he is deficient"?

Alternatives to "he is deficient" include "he lacks", "he is lacking", or "he is inadequate", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "he is deficient in" or "he lacks"?

Both "he is deficient in" and "he lacks" are grammatically correct. "He lacks" is generally more concise, while "he is deficient in" can sound more formal or clinical.

What's the difference between "he is deficient" and "he is incompetent"?

"He is deficient" suggests a lack or shortage in a specific area, while "he is incompetent" implies a general inability to perform tasks adequately. Deficient is about a specific attribute; incompetent is a broader assessment.