deficiency
a lack or shortage of something
A situation where there is not as much of something as is needed.
a deficiency of [something] / a deficiency in [something]
- The report highlighted a serious deficiency of trained staff in rural schools.
- There is a clear deficiency in affordable housing in many major cities.
- The company faced a cash deficiency at the end of the quarter.
- A deficiency of clean water has created health risks in the region.
- The audit revealed several deficiencies in the organization’s safety procedures.
- There is a deficiency of doctors in this small town.
- Many countries have a deficiency in clean drinking water.
- The school has a deficiency of basic books and computers.
- We need to fix the deficiency in our budget.
- The test showed a deficiency in his knowledge of history.
medical lack of nutrient in body
A health problem that happens when the body does not have enough of an important vitamin, mineral, or other substance.
a [vitamin/mineral] deficiency in [someone]
- Long-term vitamin D deficiency can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures.
- Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anemia worldwide.
- The doctor ordered blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies.
- Iodine deficiency is still a major public health issue in some regions.
- Calcium deficiency during childhood may affect normal bone development.
- The doctor said she has an iron deficiency.
- Vitamin C deficiency can make you feel very tired.
- He takes tablets to prevent vitamin D deficiency in winter.
- The test showed a serious vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Good food can help you avoid nutritional deficiencies.
weakness or fault in something
A problem or weak point in a person, plan, or thing that makes it less good or less effective.
a deficiency in [skills/system/performance]
- The review found several deficiencies in the company’s training program.
- Her main deficiency as a manager is poor communication with her team.
- Engineers are working to correct a serious design deficiency in the bridge.
- The study pointed out deficiencies in the current legal framework.
- Students’ writing showed a clear deficiency in basic grammar skills.
- The teacher talked about deficiencies in the students’ writing.
- There is a deficiency in his computer skills.
- The plan has some serious deficiencies.
- Her main deficiency is that she cannot work well in a team.
- The report shows a deficiency in safety procedures.
- Base: deficiency
- Plural: deficiencies, deficiency
deficiency in
1a lack or weakness in something
Used to say that there is not enough of something, or that something is weak, in a particular area.
- The test results show a deficiency in basic math skills.
- There is a serious deficiency in the way the system protects user data.
deficiency of
1a shortage of something named
Used to say that there is not enough of a particular thing.
- A deficiency of clean water has led to many health problems in the area.
- The study points to a deficiency of reliable data on the subject.
iron deficiency
1not enough iron in the body
A condition where the body does not have enough iron, often causing anemia and tiredness.
- Iron deficiency is a common reason why people feel weak and out of breath.
- The doctor gave her supplements to treat her iron deficiency.
nutritional deficiency
1lack of a needed nutrient
A health problem that happens when your body does not get enough of a certain vitamin, mineral, or other nutrient.
- Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide.
- Nutritional deficiencies are common in areas where people do not have access to fresh food.
- The doctor tested him for possible nutritional deficiencies.
- The doctor explained that her hair loss was caused by a nutritional deficiency.
vitamin deficiency
1Not enough vitamins
A health problem that happens when your body does not get enough vitamins.
- Night blindness can result from a vitamin A deficiency.
- Vitamin deficiency can cause tiredness, weak hair, and other health problems.
- The test confirmed a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- In many countries, vitamin A deficiency is still a serious issue for young children.