What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deficiency
Example
The deficiency of vitamins in his diet caused him to feel weak and tired. [deficiency: noun]
Example
Her deficiency in public speaking made it difficult for her to give presentations. [deficiency: noun]
shortage
Example
There was a shortage of medical supplies during the pandemic. [shortage: noun]
Example
The company experienced a shortage of workers due to the high turnover rate. [shortage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shortage is more commonly used than deficiency in everyday language. Shortage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while deficiency is less common and often used in specific fields such as nutrition or medicine.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deficiency and shortage?
Both deficiency and shortage can be used in formal and informal contexts, but deficiency may be more commonly used in technical or scientific writing due to its specific meaning in certain fields.
