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Be deficient in: meaning, definitions and examples

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be deficient in

[ bɪ dɪˈfɪʃənt ɪn ]

Phrase

^{Context #1 | Phrase}

expression

to lack an adequate amount of something

Synonyms

deprived, insufficient, lack, scant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
be deficient in	Used when there is an essential component or quality missing from someone or something, often in technical or medical contexts. The diet is deficient in vitamins The soil is deficient in minerals necessary for plant growth
lack	General term used when there is an absence or shortage of something needed or expected. She lacks confidence in her abilities The garden lacks adequate sunlight
deprived	Refers to being without the necessities or basic comforts of life, often used to describe people or communities facing hardships. This term often carries a negative connotation. The children were deprived of a proper education He felt emotionally deprived after the tragedy
scant	Describes something that is barely sufficient, often in literary or descriptive contexts. Can also imply insufficiency in a subtly negative way. They gave scant attention to the details The region has scant resources for economic development
insufficient	Used when there is not enough of something needed, typically in formal or official contexts. The funding provided is insufficient to complete the project His explanation was insufficient to convince the jury

Examples of usage

He is deficient in social skills.
Our team is deficient in experience.
She is deficient in vitamin D.
The report is deficient in details.
I am deficient in sleep.

Translations

Translations of the word "be deficient in" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ser deficiente em

🇮🇳 की कमी होना

🇩🇪 mangeln an

🇮🇩 kurang dalam

🇺🇦 бути недостачним у

🇵🇱 brakować

🇯🇵 不足している

🇫🇷 manquer de

🇪🇸 faltar

🇹🇷 yetersiz olmak

🇰🇷 부족하다

🇸🇦 يفتقر إلى

🇨🇿 postrádat

🇸🇰 chýbať

🇨🇳 缺乏

🇸🇮 primanjkovati

🇮🇸 skorta á

🇰🇿 жетіспеушілік

🇬🇪 დაკლებული

🇦🇿 çatışmaq

🇲🇽 faltar

Etymology

The phrase 'be deficient in' originated from the Latin word 'deficiens', which means 'failing'. Over time, it evolved to represent a lack or insufficiency of something. The usage of this phrase can be traced back to early English texts, where it was used to describe a shortage or inadequacy in various aspects. Today, 'be deficient in' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a scarcity or deficiency of a particular quality or substance.