seriously deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seriously deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is significantly lacking or inadequate in quality, quantity, or effectiveness. Example: "The report was found to be seriously deficient in its analysis of the data, leading to flawed conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is seriously deficient in one important respect.

The New York Times

"The process governing approval of the severance payment was seriously deficient".

The Guardian

The "right-wing Cubans" stereotype is seriously deficient as a description of even the earliest exiles.

The New Yorker

Mr. Silver, for his part, faulted the two Republicans for offering education plans that he said were seriously deficient.

The New York Times

In May and again in September, Mr. Liu was referred to the court's disciplinary committee for his "seriously deficient" work.

The New York Times

• Public policy in all these areas — and a host of others — has been seriously deficient in recent years.

The New York Times

The fossil record, however, is far from complete and is often seriously deficient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His main concern now is the "seriously deficient" diet consumed by a very large proportion of American children.

The New York Times - Health

Officials say that some 400 of the country's big cities are short of water, with 110 seriously deficient.

The Economist

Former senior BBC executive Roly Keating returned his £375,000 payoff from the corporation after parliament's spending watchdog branded the decision to award it "seriously deficient".

The Guardian

They are also especially worried about the danger to interior cities and provinces, where medical monitoring and care are seriously deficient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seriously deficient", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is deficient in. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

While "seriously deficient" is appropriate in formal and professional settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler, more direct language in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously deficient" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a significant inadequacy or lack of something. Ludwig shows it is commonly used to describe deficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seriously deficient" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe a significant lack or inadequacy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts to express critical evaluations. While alternatives like "severely lacking" or "gravely inadequate" offer nuanced emphasis, "seriously deficient" remains a versatile choice. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the area of deficiency enhances the phrase's effectiveness. While appropriate in formal settings, simpler language may be preferable in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severely lacking

Emphasizes the intensity of the deficiency.

gravely inadequate

Highlights the unacceptability or severity of the inadequacy.

critically flawed

Focuses on the presence of fundamental and significant errors.

woefully insufficient

Stresses the extreme degree of insufficiency and is slightly more emotive.

substantially lacking

Indicates a considerable absence of something necessary.

badly impaired

Suggests damage or hindrance resulting in serious deficiency.

significantly inadequate

Points out the importance and level of inadequacy.

markedly deficient

Emphasizes that the deficiency is easily noticeable.

acutely lacking

Highlights the sharp or intense nature of the lack.

fundamentally flawed

Indicates a deep, structural problem leading to deficiency.

FAQs

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

You can use "seriously deficient" to describe something that is significantly lacking or inadequate. For example, "The report was found to be seriously deficient in its analysis of the data."

What can I say instead of "seriously deficient"?

You can use alternatives like "severely lacking", "gravely inadequate", or "critically flawed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "seriously deficient" or "severely deficient"?

Both "seriously deficient" and "severely deficient" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the desired emphasis, with "seriously" perhaps conveying a slightly broader sense of inadequacy.

What's the difference between "seriously deficient" and "fundamentally flawed"?

"Seriously deficient" indicates a significant lack or inadequacy, while "fundamentally flawed" suggests a deeper, structural problem. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack or the inherent problem.