deficient
/di'fiʃənt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not having enough of something; inadequate in quantity or quality: Describes something that lacks what is necessary or required, falling below a standard or expectation.
- Insufficient or incomplete: Indicates a shortfall or a state of being less than what is needed for a specific purpose or function.
- Lacking in a particular quality or element: Used to specify an absence or shortage of a specific attribute, skill, or component.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- The bridge was closed because its structure was found to be deficient.
- Her diet is deficient in essential vitamins.
- The report was rejected due to deficient evidence.
Advanced Usage
- "to be deficient in (something)": To lack a specific quality, element, or substance.
- The soil here is deficient in nitrogen, which affects crop growth.
- "mentally deficient" (Note: This is an outdated and potentially offensive clinical/legal term. Modern usage prefers terms like "intellectually disabled" or "has a cognitive impairment." It is included here only as a historical reference from the source material.)
- Historical Context: Laws once used the term "mentally deficient."
Variants and Related Words
- Deficiency (n): The state of being deficient; a lack or shortage.
- A vitamin D deficiency can lead to health problems.
- Deficit (n): The amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small; a shortfall.
- The country is running a large budget deficit.
Synonyms
- Insufficient: Not enough; inadequate.
- Inadequate: Lacking the quality or quantity required.
- Lacking: Not having enough of something.
- Wanting: (Formal) Not good enough; deficient.
Antonyms
- Sufficient: Enough; adequate.
- Adequate: Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity.
- Abundant: Existing or available in large quantities.
Related Phrases
- Deficient in character: Lacking moral strength or integrity.
- The villain in the story is portrayed as deficient in character.
- Nutritionally deficient: Lacking the necessary nutrients for proper health.
- Processed foods are often nutritionally deficient.
Adjective
- falling short of some prescribed norm
- substandard housing
- of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
- insufficient funds
- inadequate in amount or degree
- a deficient education
- deficient in common sense
- lacking in stamina
- tested and found wanting