Want to say deficient differently? Here are other words for deficient and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
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.