from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Deficient \De*fi"cient\, 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; as, deficient parts;
deficient estate; deficient strength; deficient in judgment.
[1913 Webster]
The style was indeed deficient in ease and variety.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
{Deficient number}. (Arith.) See under {Abundant}. --
{De*fi"cient-ly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]