Deficient
Deficient adjective - Falling short of a standard.
Usage example: woefully deficient eyesight kept him out of military service
Lacking is a synonym for deficient in property topic. In some cases you can use "Lacking" instead an adjective "Deficient", when it comes to topics like better, reduction, imperfect, inadequate. popular alternative
Lacking
Lacking adjective - Not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need.
Usage example: we felt the afternoon television offerings were somewhat lacking in entertainment value
Deficient is a synonym for lacking in property topic. You can use "Deficient" instead an adjective "Lacking", if it concerns topics such as better, reduction, inadequate, scanty. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
Both words in one sentence
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They were severely deficient in anti-aircraft armament, lacking in radar and sonar systems, and like so many other pieces of Italian machinery, were notoriously unreliable and difficult to maintain.
Source: Glass Cannon
Cite this Source
Lacking and Deficient. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/deficient/lacking
Deficient & Lacking. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/deficient/lacking>.
Lacking or Deficient. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/deficient/lacking.
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