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Definition of deficiency noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

deficiency

noun
 
/dɪˈfɪʃnsi/
 
/dɪˈfɪʃnsi/
(plural deficiencies)
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  1. [uncountable, countable] the state of not having, or not having enough of, something that is essential synonym shortage
    • deficiency (in something) Vitamin deficiency in the diet can cause illness.
    • deficiency of something a deficiency of vitamin B
    Extra Examples
    • He's suffering from a severe vitamin deficiency.
    • I've been prescribed iron tablets to make up the deficiency.
    • Lack of sunlight can cause deficiency in vitamin D.
    • These symptoms indicate a protein deficiency.
    • The condition is caused by a deficiency of calcium.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • major
    • serious
    • severe
    verb + deficiency
    • have
    • suffer from
    • correct
    preposition
    • deficiency in
    See full entry
  2. [countable] deficiency (in something) a fault or a weakness in something/somebody that makes it or them less successful
    • deficiencies in the computer system
    • He considers the lack of central control to be a serious deficiency.
    Extra Examples
    • serious deficiencies in the health service
    • The deficiencies in their argument are easy to spot.
    • Unless these underlying deficiencies are rectified the system can never be efficient.
    • The deficiencies of medical care in poorer areas are many.
    Topics Difficulty and failurec1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • major
    • serious
    • severe
    verb + deficiency
    • have
    • suffer from
    • correct
    preposition
    • deficiency in
    See full entry
See deficiency in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee deficiency in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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