Deficiencies
dɪˈfɪʃənsiz
Definitions
A state of lacking something necessary, a shortage or insufficiency.
dɪˈfɪʃənsiz
A lack or shortage of something, especially a lack of something essential for health or proper functioning.
The doctor diagnosed him with iron deficiencies.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle, but you're missing some bricks. That missing brick? That's a deficiency! It's when you don't have enough of something you need.
👶 For kids: When you don't have enough of something you need, like not enough food to eat or not enough toys to play with, that's a deficiency!
More Examples
There were several deficiencies in the construction of the building.
The report highlighted key deficiencies in the government's response plan.
How It's Used
"Vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health problems."
"The company's budget showed significant financial deficiencies."
"The report identified several deficiencies in the software's security features."
From Middle English *deficienci(e*, from Old French *deficience* (imperfection, lack), from Latin *deficientia* (a lack or failure), from *deficere* (to fail, be lacking).
The word 'deficiencies' has been used since the 14th century to denote a lack or imperfection. Its usage has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of shortages, from physical to abstract.
Memory tip
Think of 'deficient' - not having enough. Deficiencies are the plural of what's lacking.