[syn: deficient, inferior, substandard]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Deficient \De*fi"cient\, a. [L. deficiens, -entis, p. pr. of
deficere to be wanting. See Defect.]
Wanting, to make up completeness; wanting, as regards a
requirement; not sufficient; inadequate; defective;
imperfect; incomplete; lacking; as, deficient parts;
deficient estate; deficient strength; deficient in judgment.
[1913 Webster]
The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Deficient number. (Arith.) See under Abundant. --
De*fi"cient-ly, adv.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
deficient
adj 1: inadequate in amount or degree; "a deficient education";
"deficient in common sense"; "lacking in stamina";
"tested and found wanting" [syn: deficient,
lacking(p), wanting(p)]
2: of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement;
"insufficient funds" [syn: insufficient, deficient] [ant:
sufficient]
3: falling short of some prescribed norm; "substandard housing"
[syn: deficient, inferior, substandard]