not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient, inadequate in amount or degree

Formal and Informal Expressions of deficient

In different contexts, you can replace 'deficient' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'inadequate, insufficient' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'not enough, short' is a commonplace synonym.

deficient: Explore its Definition & Usage

deficient Definition

1not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient
2inadequate in amount or degree

Using deficient: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deficient" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The soil was deficient in nutrients.
Example
Her diet was deficient in vitamins.
Example
The team's performance was deficient in many areas.
Example
The report was deficient in detail.
Example
The company was found to be deficient in safety measures.

deficient Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for deficient

Antonyms for deficient

Phrases with deficient

mentally deficient
having a mental disability or impairment
Example
The school provides special education for mentally deficient children.
deficient in
lacking in a particular quality or ingredient
Example
The soup was deficient in salt.
vitamin deficient
lacking in essential vitamins
Example
The doctor prescribed supplements for her vitamin deficient condition.

Origins of deficient

from Latin 'deficiens', present participle of 'deficere', meaning 'to desert, fail'

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Summary: deficient in Brief

The term 'deficient' [dɪˈfɪʃənt] refers to something that is lacking in a specified quality or ingredient. It can also mean inadequate in amount or degree. Examples include deficient soil, deficient diet, and deficient performance. Phrases like 'mentally deficient' and 'vitamin deficient' denote specific types of deficiency.