deficiency
noun /dɪˈfɪʃnsi/
  /dɪˈfɪʃnsi/
(plural deficiencies)
- [uncountable, countable] the state of not having, or not having enough of, something that is essential synonym shortage
- deficiency (in something) Vitamin deficiency in the diet can cause illness.
 - deficiency of something a deficiency of Vitamin B
 
Extra Examples- He's suffering from a severe vitamin deficiency.
 - I've been prescribed iron tablets to make up the deficiency.
 - Lack of sunlight can cause deficiency in vitamin D.
 - These symptoms indicate a protein deficiency.
 - The condition is caused by a deficiency of calcium.
 
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- major
 - serious
 - severe
 - …
 
- have
 - suffer from
 - correct
 - …
 
- deficiency in
 
 - [countable] deficiency (in something) a fault or a weakness in something/somebody that makes it or them less successful
- deficiencies in the computer system
 - He considers the lack of central control to be a serious deficiency.
 
Extra ExamplesTopics Difficulty and failurec1- serious deficiencies in the health service
 - The deficiencies in their argument are easy to spot.
 - Unless these underlying deficiencies are rectified the system can never be efficient.
 - The deficiencies of medical care in poorer areas are many.
 
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- major
 - serious
 - severe
 - …
 
- have
 - suffer from
 - correct
 - …
 
- deficiency in