deficiency

noun

Stress: second syllable

Syllables: de-fi-cien-cy (4)

English Definition

A lack or shortage of something necessary.

Example Sentence

A deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy.

US IPA /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/

UK IPA /dɪˈfɪʃnsi/

shortage lack deficit scarcity insufficiency

abundance surplus adequacy