thiêu thiếu

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Deficient / lacking / insufficient: Describes a state of not having enough of something, or being short of a required amount or standard. It emphasizes a noticeable and often problematic shortage.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • Kho hàng hiện đang thiêu thiếu nguyên liệu chính. (The warehouse is currently deficient in the main raw materials.)
    • Báo cáo bị đánh giá là thiêu thiếu nhiều chi tiết quan trọng. (The report was judged to be lacking many important details.)
    • Sự hỗ trợ thiêu thiếu từ cộng đồng khiến dự án gặp khó khăn. (Insufficient support from the community caused difficulties for the project.)
Advanced Usage
  • This term is often used in formal or written contexts to describe a significant, palpable shortfall in abstract qualities (like evidence, sincerity) or tangible resources, carrying a stronger connotation of inadequacy than the more common word "thiếu".
Variants and Related Words

  • Thiếu (adj, v): to lack, to be short of; less intense or formal than "thiêu thiếu".

    • Chúng tôi thiếu nhân viên. (We are short of staff.)

  • Thiếu hụt (n, v): deficit, shortfall; often used for measurable deficiencies like budgets or supplies.

    • Thiếu hụt ngân sách (budget deficit)
Synonyms
  • Deficient: Lacking in some necessary quality or element.
  • Insufficient: Not enough; inadequate.
  • Lacking: Not available in sufficient quantity.
Notes on Usage
  • "Thiêu thiếu" is a less common, more literary synonym for "thiếu". It is typically used to emphasize a more severe or critical state of lack. The reference note "xem thiếu" (see 'thiếu') indicates that its core meaning is directly related to and derived from the word "thiếu".