What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deficiency
Example
The company suffered from a deficiency in funding, which led to its closure. [deficiency: noun]
Example
The patient was diagnosed with an iron deficiency and prescribed supplements. [deficiency: noun]
Example
The team's performance was affected by a deficiency in training and preparation. [deficiency: noun]
inadequacy
Example
The school's resources were inadequate to meet the needs of its students. [inadequate: adjective]
Example
She felt a sense of inadequacy when compared to her peers. [inadequacy: noun]
Example
The employee's performance was affected by his inadequacy in handling customer complaints. [inadequacy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inadequacy is more commonly used than deficiency in everyday language, especially in personal or social contexts. Deficiency is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deficiency and inadequacy?
Deficiency is more formal than inadequacy, as it is often used in technical or scientific writing. Inadequacy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
