is deficient in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is deficient in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a lack or insufficiency of something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "The report is deficient in critical data that is necessary for a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

India is deficient in both.

The New York Times

But it is deficient in two respects.

The Guardian

Our city is deficient in charm.

The New Yorker

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

The Guardian - Opinion

The administrative process is deficient in terms of being a fair fact finding procedure.

The New York Times

Indeed, Madrid is deficient in other characteristics that might qualify it for a leading role.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, if food is deficient in magnesium, more of the calcium in the food is absorbed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the Parkinson's study, the researchers placed into a benign virus a gene that makes GABA, a brain chemical that is deficient in Parkinson's patients.

The New York Times

If she is deficient in iodine and thyroid hormone both during pregnancy and during pre-conception, the baby risks mental impairment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arguably, Jarhead is deficient in overt emotion, in declining to give one moment in which the horror or the thrill of war is crystallised.

The Guardian - Film

The stars there are estimated to have formed almost 13 billion years ago, so early that the region is deficient in heavy elements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "is deficient in" with a more descriptive verb if your intention is to create a stronger impact.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is deficient in" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "lacks" or "doesn't have enough" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is deficient in" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as lacking something essential. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in denoting shortcomings in various contexts, such as resources, qualities, or components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is deficient in" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to express a lack or insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. While versatile, it leans towards a formal register, making it particularly suitable for academic, scientific, and professional writing. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effectively conveying the nature and impact of the deficiency. Remember to consider less formal alternatives like "lacks" or "doesn't have enough" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is lacking in

This alternative directly substitutes "deficient" with "lacking", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

is insufficient in

Similar to "inadequate", but emphasizes that there isn't enough of something.

is inadequate in

This suggests something does not meet the required standard or quantity.

has a deficit of

This alternative uses "deficit", which is a more formal and quantitative way of expressing a lack.

is low in

A direct and simple way to express that something has a small quantity.

is poor in

Indicates a low quantity or quality of something.

does not have enough

A straightforward way of saying there is an insufficient quantity.

is short on

This option is more informal, implying a shortage or insufficient amount of something.

fails to provide enough

This alternative focuses on the failure to meet a specific need or requirement.

is wanting in

A slightly more archaic or literary alternative, suggesting something is missing or needed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is deficient in" indicates a lack or insufficiency. For example, "The soil "is deficient in" nutrients" means the soil doesn't have enough nutrients.

What are some synonyms for "is deficient in"?

Alternatives include "is lacking in", "is short on", or "has a deficit of", depending on the context.

Is "is deficient in" formal or informal?

"Is deficient in" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, phrases like "doesn't have enough" or "is low on" might be more appropriate.

When is it best to use "is deficient in" over other alternatives?

Use "is deficient in" when you want to maintain a formal tone and precisely convey that something lacks an essential component or quality. It's suitable for academic, scientific, or professional writing.