Spanish Conversation · Level 86
60 words
Spanish word
deficiente
Pronunciation
IPA/defiˈθjente/
Meaning
- adjectiveinsufficient
Example
El informe es deficiente.
The report is insufficient.
More examples
La atención en recepción fue deficiente.
The attention at reception was insufficient.
Core concept
A half-filled measuring cup.
Common phrases
atención deficiente
insufficient attention
apoyo deficiente
insufficient support
información deficiente
insufficient information
Similar words
insuficiente: Lacks the required amount or quality.
insatisfactorio: Fails to reach the level needed to be considered satisfactory.
inadecuado: Not suitable for the situation or intended purpose.
escaso: Present in too small a quantity to be sufficient.
Definition in Spanish
Indica que algo no alcanza el nivel o la cantidad necesaria y por ello resulta insuficiente.
Word origin
From Latin deficiens, the present participle of deficere 'to be lacking or fail', giving Spanish deficiente the sense of not reaching the needed amount or level.
Usage tips
- In reports and assessments deficiente is common, while in everyday speech it can sound harsh, so speakers often use no es suficiente or falta and then state what is missing.
Other meanings
- defectiveadjective
Opposites
- suficientesufficientadjective
- completocompleteadjective
Related words
- deficienciadeficiencynoun