欠乏(けつぼう)

けつぼう
noun / suru verb
deficiency; shortage; lack
1. deficiency; shortage; lack
A state of not having enough of something essential. Often used for nutrients, resources, or supplies. Can be used as a suru verb meaning 'to be deficient in.' Composed of 欠 (lack) + 乏 (scarce).
ビタミンCが欠乏(けつぼう)している。
There is a deficiency of vitamin C.
水(みず)の欠乏(けつぼう)は深刻(しんこく)な問題(もんだい)だ。
Water shortage is a serious problem.
長期間(ちょうきかん)の栄養(えいよう)欠乏(けつぼう)が健康(けんこう)に悪影響(あくえいきょう)を与(あた)えた。
Long-term nutritional deficiency had a negative effect on health.

USAGE:
欠乏(けつぼう) is typically used for essential things like nutrients, resources, and supplies. It is more formal than 不足(ふそく) and often implies a more severe or critical shortage. As a suru verb, it takes the pattern ～が欠乏(けつぼう)する.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 栄養(えいよう)欠乏(けつぼう) (nutritional deficiency)
  • 欠乏(けつぼう)症(しょう) (deficiency disease)
  • 鉄分(てつぶん)の欠乏(けつぼう) (iron deficiency)
  • 酸素(さんそ)欠乏(けつぼう) (oxygen deprivation)

NUANCE:
欠乏(けつぼう) implies a critical or dangerous shortage, while 不足(ふそく) is a more general and milder term for insufficiency.

general
Added 2026.3.5 16:51
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