Deprivation: meaning, definitions and examples

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deprivation

[ˌdɛprɪˈveɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

lack of basic necessities

Deprivation refers to the state of lacking or being denied basic necessities such as food, shelter, or education. It can also include the absence of essential emotional or social needs.

Synonyms

neediness, poverty, privation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deprivation	Refers to the lack of basic necessities, often used in social and economic discussions. It can apply to both physical and emotional needs being unmet. The children suffered from sleep deprivation due to noisy neighbors. Economic deprivation is a major issue in many rural areas.
poverty	Describes a state of extreme lack of money and resources, commonly used in economic and social contexts. Many families in the region live in poverty. Efforts are being made globally to eradicate poverty.
neediness	Describes a state of requiring attention, affection, or assistance. Often used to describe emotional or psychological states. It has a slightly negative connotation. Her neediness drove many of her friends away. In relationships, balancing independence and neediness is important.
privation	Refers to severe and enduring lack of basic comforts or necessities. It has a formal tone and often implies hardship. During the war, people suffered great privation. The privation experienced by the refugees was beyond comprehension.

Examples of usage

Children living in poverty often experience deprivation of proper nutrition and healthcare.
The homeless face daily deprivation of basic shelter and sanitation facilities.
Social deprivation can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-worth.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

loss or removal of something desirable

Deprivation can also refer to the loss or removal of something desirable or beneficial, such as rights, privileges, or opportunities.

Synonyms

loss, privation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deprivation	Used when talking about the state of lacking something that is considered necessary. The family faced severe sleep deprivation due to the newborn baby. Social deprivation can impact a child's development.
loss	Often used when referring to the act of losing something significant, like a person, possession, or a state of being. The loss of her job was a huge setback. He felt an immense loss after his dog passed away.
privation	Used to describe a situation where basic needs or comforts are lacking, often in a severe or prolonged manner. During the war, the soldiers endured many privations. The villagers faced extreme privation during the drought.

Word

Description / Examples

deprivation

Used when talking about the state of lacking something that is considered necessary.

The family faced severe sleep deprivation due to the newborn baby.
Social deprivation can impact a child's development.

loss

Often used when referring to the act of losing something significant, like a person, possession, or a state of being.

The loss of her job was a huge setback.
He felt an immense loss after his dog passed away.

privation

Used to describe a situation where basic needs or comforts are lacking, often in a severe or prolonged manner.

During the war, the soldiers endured many privations.
The villagers faced extreme privation during the drought.

Examples of usage

The deprivation of civil liberties can have serious consequences for a society.
The student felt the deprivation of opportunities for growth and development in their current environment.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'deprivare', which means to take away from or to remove.
It has been used in English since the 15th century, originally describing the act of removing someone from a position or privilege.
The prefix 'de-' signifies removal, while 'privation' relates to being deprived of something.

Psychology

Studies show that sleep deprivation can affect mood and cognitive functions, making it harder to think clearly.
Emotional deprivation, a lack of love or attention during formative years, can lead to various psychological issues in adulthood.
Social deprivation, or being isolated from others, can significantly harm mental health and lead to feelings of loneliness.

Literature

In Charles Dickens' 'Oliver Twist', the protagonist faces deprivation in an orphanage, highlighting social issues of the time.
Many poems and stories explore the theme of longing or deprivation, often comparing physical absence to emotional suffering.
Authors like Franz Kafka depict characters experiencing existential deprivation, showcasing their inner turmoil.

Health

Deprivation of food and water can lead to severe health issues in a matter of days, indicating the body's basic survival needs.
Nutritional deprivation can impact children's growth and development, leading to long-term health consequences.
Substance deprivation, such as withdrawal symptoms from addiction, can be physically and psychologically challenging.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows sometimes depict 'deprivation' challenges, where contestants must survive with minimal resources to win.
Movies often portray characters overcoming deprivation, whether emotional or physical, resonating with audiences' empathy.
Songs frequently explore themes of deprivation in love, showcasing the emotions tied to loss or longing.

Translations

Translations of the word "deprivation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 privação

🇮🇳 वंचना

🇩🇪 Entbehrung

🇮🇩 kekurangan

🇺🇦 позбавлення

🇵🇱 pozbawienie

🇯🇵 欠乏

🇫🇷 privation

🇪🇸 privación

🇹🇷 yoksunluk

🇰🇷 박탈

🇸🇦 حرمان

🇨🇿 zbavení

🇸🇰 zbavenie

🇨🇳 剥夺

🇸🇮 pomanjkanje

🇮🇸 skortur

🇰🇿 айыру

🇬🇪 მოკლება

🇦🇿 məhrumiyyət

🇲🇽 privación

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,846 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8843 conjecture
8844 benign
8845 puzzled
8846 deprivation
8847 scaling
8848 shattered
8849 modulus
...