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Spell Bee Word: deficient


Basic Details

Word: Deficient

Part of Speech: Adjective

Meaning: Not having enough of something that is needed.

Synonyms: lacking, inadequate, short, insufficient

Antonyms: sufficient, adequate, ample

How to Spell Deficient

Syllables: de - fi - cient

Tricky part: The end is cient, where ci makes the sh sound, and the i comes before the e. The f is single.

Watch out for: deficent, defficient, deficeint

Memory tip: Deficient ends like efficient and sufficient. Learn the three together: all have cient.

Usage Examples

Example 1: Her diet is deficient in iron, so the doctor gave her tablets.

Example 2: The report said the old hospital was deficient in staff.

Example 3: Plants grow poorly in soil deficient in nitrogen.

Fun Fact

Sailors on long voyages once got scurvy, an illness caused by a diet deficient in vitamin C. Carrying lemons and limes helped prevent it.

Practise the CREST Way

Word Connection

Choose the antonym of the word: deficient

a) lacking
b) short
c) sufficient
d) inadequate

Show answer

c) sufficient. Sufficient means enough; lacking, inadequate and short all mean not enough.

Mingle-Mangle

Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:

nicedfeit

a) efficient
b) defendant
c) deficient
d) deficit

Show answer

c) deficient. Efficient needs two f's and deficit is too short; only deficient uses all nine letters.

Word Cookie

Insert the correct pair of letters to form a word:

def_c_ent

a) e, i
b) i, i
c) i, e
d) a, i

Show answer

b) i, i. Say de-fi-cient: an i follows f, and the ci before ent makes the sh sound.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If a meal is deficient in protein, it has ____.

a) too little protein
b) no salt
c) too much protein
d) only protein

Show answer

a) too little protein

2. A body deficient in calcium will most likely have ____.

a) sharper eyesight
b) longer hair
c) extra strength
d) weak bones

Show answer

d) weak bones

Associated Words

imperativeadvertisementcrossovergadgetharvest
institutionterriblytransfiximpressivecorporate

Next steps

How to participate in CREST International Spell Bee

The CREST International Spell Bee (CSB) is conducted in two editions – CREST International Spell Bee - Summer (CSB) and CREST International Spell Bee - Winter (CSBW) – giving students across the globe an opportunity to showcase and enhance their spelling proficiency. Designed for young learners from Senior KG to Class 8, the competition focuses on word-building, pronunciation, and vocabulary enrichment, helping students develop strong linguistic skills.

Steps to Participate:

Step 1: Visit the registration page and complete the registration with your desired subject.

Step 2: After Registration done, do login at www.crestolympiads.com/login.

Step 3: After login, go to dashboard and click on Book slot/Take Exam

Step 4: Schedule your exam date and preferred time.

Step 5: Log in with your credentials on the exam day at the scheduled time and take the exam.

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