What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incomplete
Example
The report is incomplete without the financial data. [incomplete: adjective]
Example
She left the puzzle incomplete and went to bed. [incomplete: adjective]
Example
I find his explanation incomplete and unsatisfactory. [incomplete: adjective]
deficient
Example
The soil in this area is deficient in nutrients. [deficient: adjective]
Example
He is deficient in social skills and finds it hard to make friends. [deficient: adjective]
Example
The company's customer service is deficient and needs improvement. [deficient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incomplete is more commonly used than deficient in academic or professional settings. Deficient is more commonly used in everyday language to describe physical objects, products, or services.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incomplete and deficient?
Incomplete is generally considered more formal than deficient. It is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe tasks, projects, or statements that need further development or completion. Deficient, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe physical objects, products, or services that do not meet the required standards or expectations.
