Deficient - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Deficient means lacking in some necessary quality or element. It describes something that is incomplete, insufficient, or not up to the required standard. For example, a diet deficient in vitamins may cause health problems.
Definition:
Lacking in some necessary quality or element; insufficient or inadequate.
Synonyms:
inadequate, insufficient, lacking, wanting, incomplete
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
sufficient, adequate, abundant
Common Collocations:
deficient in, deficient amount, deficient supply, deficient knowledge, deficient nutrients
Derivatives:
deficiency, deficit, deficiencies
Usage Tips:
Use "deficient" to describe something missing a required element or falling short of a standard.
Common Phrases:
mentally deficient, vitamin deficient, calcium deficient
Etymology:
From Latin "deficiens," meaning failing or lacking, from "de-" (away) + "facere" (to do).
Examples:
- 1. The soil is deficient in nitrogen for healthy plant growth.
- 2. Her diet was deficient in essential vitamins and minerals.
- 3. The report was criticized for being deficient in critical details.
- 4. His knowledge of history is surprisingly deficient for a teacher.