Deficient: meaning, definitions and examples

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deficient

 

[ dɪˈfɪʃənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

lacking in something

Not having enough of a particular quality or ingredient; inadequate or insufficient.

Synonyms

defective, inadequate, insufficient, lacking, scarce

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

Translations of the word "deficient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deficiente

🇮🇳 अपूर्ण

🇩🇪 mangelhaft

🇮🇩 defisien

🇺🇦 дефіцитний

🇵🇱 niedostateczny

🇯🇵 不足している

🇫🇷 déficient

🇪🇸 deficiente

🇹🇷 yetersiz

🇰🇷 부족한

🇸🇦 ناقص

🇨🇿 nedostatečný

🇸🇰 nedostatočný

🇨🇳 不足的

🇸🇮 pomanjkljiv

🇮🇸 ófullnægjandi

🇰🇿 жеткіліксіз

🇬🇪 დეფიციტური

🇦🇿 çatışmaz

🇲🇽 deficiente

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,158 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.