View synonyms for deficient

deficient

[ dih-fish-uhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

lacking some element or characteristic; defective:
deficient in taste.
insufficient; inadequate:
deficient knowledge.

noun

a person who is deficient, especially one who is mentally defective.

deficient

/ dɪˈfɪʃənt /

adjective

lacking some essential; incomplete; defective
inadequate in quantity or supply; insufficient

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Derived Forms

deˈficiently, adverb

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Other Words From

de·ficient·ly adverb
nonde·ficient adjective
nonde·ficient·ly adverb
prede·ficient adjective
prede·ficient·ly adverb
unde·ficient adjective
unde·ficient·ly adverb

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deficient¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin dēficient-, stem of dēficiēns “failing,” present participle of dēficere “to fail, run short, lack, weaken,” from dē- de- + ficere, combining form of facere “to do, make” ( do ¹ )

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Word History and Origins

Origin of deficient¹

C16: from Latin dēficiēns lacking, from dēficere to fall short; see defect

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Example Sentences

Being deficient may impair the immune system, but for the vast majority there is little to be gained from having extra.

From BBC

Edison said it blames the damage and deaths caused by the Montecito debris flows on “inadequate governmental flood control infrastructure and deficient evacuation communications.”

From Los Angeles Times

The review offered on Saturday is based on "low confidence" which means the intelligence supporting it is deficient, inconclusive or contradictory.

From BBC

More than 40% of adult Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Low levels are linked to fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, mood disorders and cognitive decline.

From Salon

The result of this nutritionally deficient, empty-caloried glut is often disease.

From Salon

Related Words

deficiency judgment deficient number

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