(definition) by Webster 1913 Tue Dec 21 1999 at 22:57:11

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.

The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety. Macaulay.

Deficient number. Arith. See under Abundant.

-- De*fi"cient-ly, adv.

 

© Webster 1913.

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