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