Deficient

/dɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

not having enough of a specified quality or ingredient

The patient was diagnosed as deficient in vitamin D, requiring supplements.

lacking in some necessary quality or element

The plan was deficient in clarity, leading to confusion among team members.

insufficient in amount or degree; inadequate

Her knowledge of the subject was deficient, which affected her performance in the exam.

Late Middle English: from Old French 'deficient' or from Latin 'deficient-' meaning 'failing.'

deficient in

lacking a necessary quality or ingredient.

deficient amount

an amount that is not sufficient.

deficient performance

performance that is below expectations.

deficiency

a lack or shortage of something.

deficiently

in a manner that is lacking in quality or quantity.

deficientness

the quality of being deficient.

Not up to par.

That presentation was a bit deficient, no offense.

Slacking.

He's been deficient in his work lately.