as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there is a deficiency of fresh food in the diet of many of the working poor
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Recent Examples of deficiency
Because of this, a lack of phenylalanine usually results from insufficient protein consumption rather than a specific deficiency.
—
Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
Shortly after birth, Ryder was diagnosed with very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Iodine deficiency can be serious, but is eminently treatable.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
Shortly after birth, Ryder was diagnosed with very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD).
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Iodine deficiency can be serious, but is eminently treatable.
—Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.
—Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficiency
Cite this Entry
“Deficiency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficiency. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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