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deficiency

noun C1 Formal

Meaning

A deficiency refers to a notable lack or insufficiency of a necessary quality, element, or substance, often resulting in adverse effects or limitations in function or performance; it is frequently used in contexts such as health, economics, and resource m
💡 The term is often misused in casual contexts to imply a simple absence rather than the more nuanced implication of a detrimental impact caused by that absence; it is important to specify the context in which the deficiency occurs.

Example Sentences

The doctor explained the symptoms caused by the vitamin deficiency .
The project failed due to a deficiency in financial resources .
The report highlights a deficiency in the current safety protocols .
The study highlights the deficiency of essential nutrients in the diet .

Word in Context

When Emma opened the pantry on a rainy afternoon , she realized that a long gap between shops had created a noticeable deficiency in the basic ingredients she needed for her usual soup . She listed the missing items on her phone , prioritizing fresh vegetables and herbs because their absence would weaken both the flavour and the nutritional balance . Rather than venture out in the drizzle , she improvised with what she had , roasting carrots and onions to amplify sweetness and using dried basil sparingly . By the time the soup simmered , the kitchen smelled comforting and she felt content knowing a small shortage need not ruin a meal if one adapts thoughtfully . The exercise reminded her that recognizing a deficiency early makes it easier to find creative solutions and avoid unnecessary waste .

Common Phrases

nutrient deficiency deficiency in resources deficiency of knowledge

Synonyms

Antonyms

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