deficiency

/ˌdɛfɪˈsɪnsi/

lack or shortage of something essential

The soil showed a deficiency in iron, affecting plant growth.

The soil lacked enough iron, which harmed the plants.

general

A lack or shortage of something essential or required.

The study revealed a deficiency in vitamin D among participants.

The research found that many people did not have enough vitamin D.

Her speech had a deficiency in clarity, making it hard to follow.

Her speech was unclear, making it difficult to understand.

Often used in contexts like nutrition, skills, or system performance.

Collocations

deficiency ofa lack of something specificnutritional deficiencylack of essential nutrients

lack of iron in the body

lack of essential vitamins

Use 'deficiency' to describe a measurable lack of something important, such as nutrients, skills, or resources.

Ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking when using 'deficiency.'

From Middle French 'déficience,' from Latin 'deficientia,' meaning 'lack.'

Commonly used in medical, nutritional, and technical contexts to describe a shortage of something necessary.

de-

lack of

prefix

-ficient

sufficient

root

-cy

state or condition

suffix

English Dictionary