deficient meaning and definition

DEFICIENT adjective

Definition of deficient (adjective)

1. inadequate in amount or degree
   • "a deficient education"; "deficient in common sense"; "lacking in stamina"; "tested and found wanting"
   • synonyms: lacking, wanting
2. of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
   • "insufficient funds"
   • synonyms: insufficient
   • antonym: sufficient
3. falling short of some prescribed norm
   • "substandard housing"
   • synonyms: inferior, substandard