How to Pronounce Deficiency

To pronounce "deficiency", say DEF-ic-iency — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

deficiency

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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Syllables

Letters

/dɪˈfɪʃənsi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “deficiency”

"deficiency" has 3 syllables: def-ic-iency. It rhymes with proficiency and efficiency, if that helps it stick.

What does deficiency mean?

noun

Inadequacy or incompleteness.
An insufficiency, especially of something essential to health.

Antonyms

excess sufficiency

Hear “deficiency” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with deficiency

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

proficiency efficiency sufficiency self-sufficiency inefficiency immunodeficiency

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "deficiency"?▾

"Deficiency" has 3 syllables: def · ic · iency.

What is the IPA transcription of "deficiency"?▾

The IPA transcription of "deficiency" is /dɪˈfɪʃənsi/.

What does "deficiency" mean?▾

Deficiency: Inadequacy or incompleteness.

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