is deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is lacking or insufficient in some way. Example: "The report is deficient in providing adequate evidence to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The amount of deficiency when a cash flow or capital item is deficient.

Duke University

India is deficient in both.

The New York Times

Not, "McCain's judgment is deficient".

The Guardian - Opinion

Even Saddam is deficient here.

The Guardian

Without Spock, Kirk is deficient.

The Washington Post

O.K.? Pakistan is deficient of both.

The New York Times

But it is deficient in two respects.

The Guardian

Our city is deficient in charm.

The New Yorker

This is not to say that TaxCut is deficient.

The New York Times

In this respect, de Gaulle's Fifth Republic is deficient.

The Guardian

(Rogers Declaration, 4) However, Rogers' declaration is deficient.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is deficient", clearly specify what the subject is lacking. This provides context and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is deficient" without providing specific details about the deficiency. For example, instead of saying "the product is deficient", specify what aspects of the product are lacking or inadequate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is deficient" functions as an adjective phrase. It is used to describe a noun as lacking something essential or adequate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing inadequacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is deficient" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that something lacks an essential quality or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across a range of contexts, from formal academic papers to news reports. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. Alternatives such as "is lacking" or "is inadequate" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "is deficient", it is important to specify what the subject is lacking to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lacking

Replaces "deficient" with a more straightforward term for absence.

is inadequate

Indicates insufficiency, similar to "deficient" but potentially less formal.

is insufficient

Emphasizes a lack of necessary amount or degree.

is wanting

A more literary or archaic way of saying "is lacking".

is subpar

Suggests performance or quality below an acceptable standard.

falls short

Indicates a failure to reach a required level or expectation.

is compromised

Suggests impairment or weakening, implying a deficiency in function.

is flawed

Highlights imperfections or defects that cause a deficiency.

is imperfect

Indicates a state of not being complete or ideal, implying some deficiency.

is impaired

Similar to compromised, but often used in contexts of physical or mental ability.

FAQs

How do you use "is deficient" in a sentence?

Use "is deficient" to describe something that lacks an essential quality or quantity. For example, "The soil is deficient in nutrients" or "The plan is deficient in detail".

What's a synonym for "is deficient"?

Alternatives to "is deficient" include "is lacking", "is inadequate", or "is insufficient", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is deficient in" or "is deficient of"?

"Is deficient in" is the more commonly accepted and grammatically correct construction. "Is deficient of" is less frequent and may sound awkward to some readers.

What is the difference between "is deficient" and "is defective"?

"Is deficient" implies something is lacking or incomplete, whereas "is defective" suggests something has a flaw or malfunction. A product that "is defective" might not function correctly, while something that "is deficient" simply lacks something necessary.