Synonyms of deficiency

deficiency

noun

di-ˈfi-shən-sē 

as in shortage

a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number

there is a deficiency of fresh food in the diet of many of the working poor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shortage
• lack
• deficit
• insufficiency
• scarcity
• inadequacy
• absence
• drought
• paucity
• poverty
• famine
• lacuna
• failure
• dearth
• inadequateness
• undersupply
• scantiness
• crunch
• omission
• pinch
• scarceness
• necessity
• want
• meagerness
• privation
• skimpiness
• poorness
• need

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adequacy
• sufficiency
• abundance
• amplitude
• wealth
• plenty
• opulence
• plenitude
• surplus
• excess
• overabundance
• oversupply
• copiousness
• surfeit
• bountifulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deficiency

Intense weight loss can increase the risk of gallstones, as well as micronutrient deficiencies, Seeley says. — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Fall’s brisk weather brings with it the promise of cozy knitwear, cashmere socks, and roaring fires—perhaps the only downside is that the grey skies exacerbate the our considerable vitamin D deficiency. — Violet Hayward, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026

Leaf Discoloration Many deciduous trees have color-changing leaves in autumn, but leaves that turn yellow or brown or develop unsightly spots earlier in the season may mean trees are struggling with pests, diseases, or deficiencies. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026

Its fiscal year 2024 independent audit identified material noncompliance, a material weakness in internal controls, and a significant deficiency in internal controls. — Ray Cummings, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026