Deficient Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deficient
[dɪˈfɪʃənt ]
Definition
lacking in something
Not having enough of a particular quality or ingredient; inadequate or insufficient.
Synonyms
defective, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, scarce.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
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| deficient |
Used when something is missing an important element or lacks sufficient qualities or quantities. Often used in medical, nutritional, or academic contexts.
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| inadequate |
Used when something is not enough or not good enough for a specific purpose. Often used in formal or official contexts.
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| insufficient |
Similar to 'inadequate,' but focuses more on quantity rather than quality. Used in formal contexts, particularly in financial, academic, or organizational settings.
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| lacking |
Used to describe something that is missing or not present in the necessary amount. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| defective |
Used to describe something that is broken, flawed, or not working correctly. Often refers to products, machinery, or physical items.
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| scarce |
Used to describe something that is in short supply or hard to find. Often used in economic, environmental, or resource-related contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The team's defense was deficient in speed and coordination.
- Her diet was deficient in essential vitamins and minerals.
- The report highlighted the deficient infrastructure of the city.
- The deficient rainfall led to a drought in the region.
- The deficient budget resulted in cutbacks in essential services.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Nutritional deficiencies can lead to health issues, like vitamin D deficiency causing rickets in children.
- Certain plant species are known as 'deficient' in specific nutrients necessary for optimal growth.
- Deficiencies in cognitive skills can lead to learning obstacles, emphasizing the importance of adequate education.
Psychology
- Deficient emotional skills can lead to difficulties in relationships and understanding others' feelings.
- People may experience deficient self-esteem, impacting their confidence and social interactions.
- Research indicates that a deficient mindset can hinder motivation and achievement in various life areas.
Cultural Context
- In many cultures, being deficient in food can signify poverty, affecting social status and community dynamics.
- The concept of deficiency is often explored in literature, illustrating characters' struggles when lacking essentials.
- Social initiatives often aim to address deficiencies in education or health in underprivileged areas.
Business
- A deficient market analysis can lead to poor business decisions and failure.
- Companies often conduct assessments to identify deficient areas in their operations for improvement.
- The term is commonly used in performance reviews to describe areas where an employee may need to improve.
Origin of 'deficient'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Latin 'deficientem', which means 'failing' or 'lacking'.
- It combines the prefix 'de-' (down from, away) and 'facere' (to do), indicating a failure to do something.
- The usage of 'deficient' has been documented in English since the late 14th century.
The word 'deficient' originated from the Latin word 'deficiens', which means 'failing' or 'lacking'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'deficient' has been used to describe a variety of situations where there is a lack or insufficiency of something, whether it be in quantity, quality, or performance.