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;
The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
Deficient number. (Arith.)
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