deficient
de|fi|cient /dɪf'ɪʃənt/
1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in n
If someone or something is deficient in a particular thing, they do not have the full amount of it that they need in order to function normally or work properly. (FORMAL)
...a diet deficient in vitamin B.
= lacking
[COMB in ADJ]
Deficient is also a combining form.
Vegetarians can become iron-deficient.
2 [ADJ]
Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)
...deficient landing systems.
= inadequate
1 [ADJ] usu v-link ADJ, usu ADJ in n
If someone or something is deficient in a particular thing, they do not have the full amount of it that they need in order to function normally or work properly. (FORMAL)
...a diet deficient in vitamin B.
= lacking
[COMB in ADJ]
Deficient is also a combining form.
Vegetarians can become iron-deficient.
2 [ADJ]
Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. (FORMAL)
...deficient landing systems.
= inadequate