deficiency
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for deficiency, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A lack or shortage of something necessary, especially for health.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deficiency
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From "deficient" plus the noun-forming suffix -cy, echoing Latin dēficientia.
Full origin of deficiency →Frequently asked questions
What does “deficiency” mean?
The word “deficiency” means a lack or shortage of something necessary, especially for health.
How do you pronounce “deficiency”?
“Deficiency” is pronounced dih-FIH-shuhn-see (/dɪˈfɪʃənsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “deficiency” in a sentence?
Here is “deficiency” used in a sentence: “The doctor diagnosed a vitamin D deficiency.”
What part of speech is “deficiency”?
“Deficiency” is a noun.
Where does the word “deficiency” come from?
The word “deficiency” comes from Latin. From "deficient" plus the noun-forming suffix -cy, echoing Latin dēficientia.
Is “deficiency” a common word?
“Deficiency” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a deficiency and a disorder?
A deficiency is specifically a lack or shortage of something necessary, such as a nutrient or vitamin, while a disorder is a broader term for any disruption of normal function. A deficiency can cause a disorder, but the word deficiency points to a missing ingredient rather than the resulting condition.
Is deficiency used mainly in medical contexts?
Deficiency is very common in medical and nutritional writing, as in "iron deficiency" or "vitamin D deficiency," but it can describe any shortage of something necessary, including skills, funding, or resources. Its core meaning is simply a lack of something needed, especially for health.
What prepositions commonly follow deficiency?
Deficiency is typically followed by "in" or "of," as in "a deficiency in vitamin B12" or "a deficiency of calcium." Both patterns are standard, though "deficiency in" is slightly more common before naming the missing nutrient or quality.