it is deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is lacking or insufficient in quality, quantity, or completeness. Example: "The report is incomplete, and it is deficient in critical data that is necessary for our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

If a society jeers at its good athletes and poets, it is deficient, and its practices should be reformed so that the deserving are rewarded in due proportion.

SEP

But it is deficient in two respects.

The Guardian

"It is deficient as far as street frontage goes for one lot, let alone two," Mr. Schilt said.

The New York Times

He said researchers first look at a particular crop and the amino acids in which it is deficient.

The New York Times

Biomass is a promising CO2-neutral carbon source for fuel products, but it is deficient in hydrogen for that purpose.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

Vitamin D is essential to this process, and, when it is deficient, the active transport of calcium stops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

In studies using neutral sucrose gradients, the radC strain consistently showed a small deficiency in rejoining X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks, and it was deficient in restoring the normal sedimentation characteristics of the repaired DNA (A115).

Stanford University

Right now it's deficient by national standards.

The New York Times

There have been moves towards a better process now, but it was deficient in 2005, 2006 and 2007, Dannatt says.

The Guardian

He eventually reached a lawyer at Fort Riley, an Army captain, who, to Mr. Wright's astonishment, said he was under the impression that Mr. Wright had closed the case because it was "deficient".

The New York Times

Last week, the monitor overseeing the settlement rejected the county's affordable-housing plan, saying it was deficient on details, accountability and enforcement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it is deficient", clearly specify what the subject is deficient in. This adds precision and clarity to your writing. For example, instead of saying "The plan is deficient", say "The plan is deficient in financial resources."

Common error

Avoid using "it is deficient" without clarifying the specific deficiency. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. Instead, identify the lacking element or aspect to provide context and improve understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is deficient" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It ascribes a quality of lacking or being inadequate to a subject. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase commonly expresses that something doesn't meet the required standard or is missing a crucial element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is deficient" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something lacks a necessary quality or element. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts such as science, news, and academia. When using this phrase, it is best to specify what the subject is deficient in to enhance clarity. Common errors include overgeneralization without providing context. Alternatives like "it is lacking" and "it is inadequate" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is lacking

This alternative indicates something is missing or not present.

it is inadequate

This suggests something is not sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose.

it is insufficient

Similar to inadequate, but emphasizes a shortage in quantity or amount.

it is flawed

This indicates the presence of errors or imperfections that weaken the whole.

it is imperfect

This suggests something is not ideal or does not meet a certain standard of excellence.

it is wanting

This suggests a lack or absence of something desired or necessary; a more formal expression.

it falls short

This indicates a failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

it is defective

This implies a fault in construction or inherent weakness.

it is unsound

This refers to a lack of stability or a shaky foundation.

it is not up to par

This signifies that something doesn't meet the expected standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is deficient" to describe something lacking a necessary quality or element. For example, "The soil "is deficient" in nutrients, resulting in poor crop growth."

What are some alternatives to "it is deficient"?

Alternatives include "it is lacking", "it is inadequate", or "it is insufficient". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "it is deficient" or "it is defective"?

While both indicate something is wrong, "deficient" means lacking something essential, while "defective" means flawed or faulty. The choice depends on whether something is missing or broken. For example, a diet can be "deficient" in vitamins, while a product might be "defective".

What's the difference between "it is deficient" and "it is inadequate"?

"Deficient" highlights a lack of something necessary, while "inadequate" suggests something is not good enough for a specific purpose. A resource that is "deficient" is missing something; a resource that is "inadequate" may be present but not sufficient.