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
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. a diet deficient in vitamin B. = lacking Deficient is also a combining form. Vegetarians can become iron-deficient
A number is deficient if sigma(n) < 2n, or, equivalently, if index(n) < 2 Another way of saying this is that sum of the proper divisors of n is less than n Contrast abundant, perfect Every divisor of a deficient number is deficient
Lacking something (e g , a deficient diet causes the body to function poorly because it is missing an important element)
Someone or something that is deficient is not good enough for a particular purpose. deficient landing systems. = inadequate
inadequate in amount or degree; "a deficient education"; "deficient in common sense"; "lacking in stamina"; "tested and found wanting" falling short of some prescribed norm; "substandard housing