adj.
Pronunciation: di- ' fi-sh ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin deficient-, deficiens, present participle of deficere to be wanting ― more at DEFECT
Date: 1581
1 : lacking in some necessary quality or element < deficient in judgment>
2 : not up to a normal standard or complement : DEFECTIVE < deficient strength>
– de · fi · cient · ly adverb