deficiency

Definitions

de- (away, short) + fic (fac, 'do/make') + -iency (state) = 'the state of falling short in the making.' From Latin deficere ('to lack, fail'). A deficiency is where something needed simply isn't there — too little iron, too little skill.

Common Collocations

• 1.vitamin deficiency维生素缺乏
• 2.iron deficiency缺铁
• 3.deficiency in在…方面的不足
• 4.nutritional deficiency营养不良

Example Sentences

• 1.

  A vitamin D deficiency can weaken your bones over time.

• 2.

  The audit revealed serious deficiencies in the safety system.