The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

deficient

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deficient

Lacking or inadequate
"The old building was structurally deficient and posed a safety risk to its occupants."

Detailed meaning of deficient

It signifies a condition or quality that falls below the expected or desired standard. When used to describe a person, it suggests a deficiency in knowledge, skills, or abilities. For example, a deficient student may struggle to grasp certain concepts or perform at the same level as their peers. In the context of nutrition, a deficient diet refers to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients, resulting in potential health problems. Overall, 'deficient' implies a state of insufficiency or a failure to meet certain requirements, highlighting the need for improvement or remediation.

Example sentences containing deficient

1. The doctor told her that she was vitamin D deficient and needed to spend more time in the sun.
2. The soil in their garden was nutrient deficient, so they had to use fertilizers.
3. The training program at the company was severely deficient in practical applications.
4. His knowledge of world history was surprisingly deficient for someone who claimed to be well-read.
5. The paperwork for the application was deficient in several key documents and needed to be resubmitted.
6. The budget proposal was deficient, lacking any allocation for essential maintenance costs.

History and etymology of deficient

The adjective 'deficient' is derived from the Latin word 'deficiens,' which is the present participle of the verb 'deficere.' In Latin, 'de' means 'away' or 'off,' and 'ficere' comes from 'facere,' meaning 'to do' or 'to make.' Therefore, the etymology of 'deficient' carries the notion of something 'doing away with' or 'falling short' of what is necessary or expected, highlighting its intrinsic connection to the concept of lacking or being inadequate. This word reflects the idea of insufficiency and inadequacy, underscoring its roots in Latin, where 'deficere' denotes a deficiency or falling below the required standard.

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Further usage examples of deficient

1. His diet was deficient in fiber, leading to various digestive issues.
2. The detective concluded that the suspect’s alibi was deficient and lacked credibility.
3. Despite the school’s reputation, the curriculum was disappointingly deficient in hands-on learning experiences.
4. Her iron-deficient condition made her constantly tired and weak.
5. The plumber's work was deficient, so we had to call someone else to fix the leaks.
6. The student's deficient math skills required extra tutoring.
7. A deficient supply of food led to shortages during the crisis.
8. The report highlighted the project's deficient budget planning.
9. A deficient immune system can make you more susceptible to illnesses.
10. Her leadership was criticized for being deficient in communication.
11. The old building had deficient insulation, leading to high energy bills.
12. His deficient knowledge of the subject was evident during the exam.
13. A deficient diet can result in various health problems.
14. The deficient staffing levels caused delays in project completion.
15. The car's deficient brakes posed a safety risk.
16. The company faced penalties for its deficient environmental practices.
17. The deficient infrastructure hindered economic development.
18. A deficient understanding of cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings.
19. The deficient training program left employees unprepared.
20. Their deficient response to the crisis disappointed many.
21. A deficient budget can limit opportunities for growth.
22. The athlete's deficient performance was unexpected.
23. Deficient equipment slowed down the construction project.
24. Addressing the deficient security measures is a top priority.
25. The deficient support system left him feeling isolated.