deficient

¹de·fi·cient

adj \di-ˈfi-shənt\

Definition of DEFICIENT

1

: lacking in some necessary quality or element <deficient in judgment>

2

: not up to a normal standard or complement : defective <deficient strength>

— de·fi·cient·ly adverb

Examples of DEFICIENT

1. Several bridges in the city are structurally deficient.
2. <a diet deficient in calcium can lead to weak bones>

Origin of DEFICIENT

Latin deficient-, deficiens, present participle of deficere to be wanting — more at defect

First Known Use: 1581

Related to DEFICIENT

Synonyms: incomplete, fragmental, fragmentary, half, halfway, partial

Antonyms: complete, entire, full, intact, integral, perfect, whole

Related Words: broken, damaged, flawed, impaired, imperfect, injured, marred, spoiled; sketchy, unassembled, uncompleted, unfinished

Near Antonyms: flawless, unbroken, undamaged, unimpaired, uninjured, unmarred; completed, finished

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Rhymes with DEFICIENT

efficient, proficient, sufficient