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Meaning of deficient
The primary meaning of "deficient" is something that is lacking or inadequate in some way.
Etymology of deficient
The word "deficient" comes from the Latin "deficiens", which is the present participle of "deficere", meaning "to fail" or "to be lacking".
 The Latin "deficere" is a combination of "de" (meaning "away from" or "lack of") and "ficere" (meaning "to do" or "to make").
 The word "deficient" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that is lacking or inadequate.
Synonyms
                                                inadequate
                                                                        insufficient
                                                                        lacking
                                                                        incomplete
                                                                        imperfect
                                                                        defective
                                                                        faulty
                                                                        flawed
                                                                        short
                                                                        scant
                                                                        meager
                                                                        sparse
                                                                        scarce
                                                                        rare
                                                                        uncommon
                                                                        unusual
                                                                        wanting
                                                                        needing
                                                                        necessitous
                                                                        poor
                                                                        weak
                                                                        feeble
                                                                        fragile
                                                                        frail
                                                                        inadequate
                                                                        unsatisfactory
                                                                        unacceptable
                                                                        substandard
                                                                        subpar
                                                                        mediocre
                                                                        inferior
                                                                        second-rate
                                                                        low-grade
                                                                        low-quality
                                                                        shoddy
                                                                        shabby
                                                                        shabby
                                                                        shoddy
                                                                        shabby
                                                                        unsound
                                                                        unstable
                                                                        insecure
                                                                        unreliable
                                                                        untrustworthy
                                                                        ineffectual
                                                                        ineffective
                                                                        inept
                                                                        incompetent
                                                                        incapable
                                                                        unfit
                                                                        unqualified
                                                                        unskilled
                                                                        amateurish
                                                                        amateur
                                                                        unprofessional
                                                                        shoddy.
                                                            
            Definitions
- Lacking or having a deficiency in something, such as a quality, attribute, or element.
 - Not having enough of something, such as a supply or a quantity.
 - Failing to meet a standard or requirement, such as a minimum level of quality or performance.
 
Usage Examples
- The company's financial reports showed that they were deficient in their accounting practices.
 - The new employee was deficient in his knowledge of the software, so he needed additional training.
 - The crop was deficient in essential nutrients, which affected its growth and yield.
 
Antonyms
                                                adequate
                                                                        sufficient
                                                                        complete
                                                                        perfect
                                                                        flawless
                                                                        faultless
                                                                        strong
                                                                        robust
                                                                        vigorous
                                                                        capable
                                                                        competent
                                                                        effective
                                                                        efficient
                                                                        skilled
                                                                        professional
                                                                        reliable
                                                                        trustworthy
                                                                        sound
                                                                        stable
                                                                        secure
                                                                        satisfactory
                                                                        acceptable
                                                                        superior
                                                                        excellent
                                                                        exceptional
                                                                        outstanding
                                                                        first-rate
                                                                        high-quality
                                                                        ample
                                                                        abundant
                                                                        plentiful
                                                                        numerous
                                                                        common
                                                                        usual
                                                                        customary.