C1nounformalhealthacademic
US/dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
UK/dɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
a lack of something that is needed, such as a vitamin; also a weakness or fault
In context
Vitamin D deficiency is common in people who rarely go outside.
Iron deficiency can make you feel tired all the time.
The report points out serious deficiencies in the hospital's safety system.
Words that go with deficiency
noun + noun
- vitamin deficiencyA poor diet can lead to vitamin deficiency.
- iron deficiencyIron deficiency is common among pregnant women.
noun + preposition
- deficiency inThe soil has a deficiency in nitrogen.
adjective + noun
- serious deficiencyInspectors found a serious deficiency in the building.
- nutritional deficiencyChildren in the area suffer from nutritional deficiency.