NYT Dictionary
DEFICIENT
/dɪˈfɪʃənt/AdjectiveNounde-FI-cientde-fi-cient · 3 syllablesCollege
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023
Meaning
Lacking something essential; often construed with in.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
From Latin deficiens, present participle of deficere (“to lack, fail, be wanting”); see defect.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
sufficient
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: