Inklingo

How to Say "deficiency" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deficiencia

deh-fee-syen-syahdefiˈθjenθja

nounB2general
Use this term for a general shortage or lack of something essential, often related to health or nutrition.
A small, wilting plant in a pot with dry, cracked soil, needing more water.

Examples

La deficiencia de vitaminas puede causar cansancio.

A vitamin deficiency can cause tiredness.

El plan tiene algunas deficiencias técnicas que debemos arreglar.

The plan has some technical shortcomings that we need to fix.

Existen leyes para ayudar a personas con deficiencia visual.

There are laws to help people with visual impairment.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in '-cia', just remember it always takes 'la' or 'una'. You would say 'la deficiencia grave', not 'el deficiencia'.

Using 'de' for detail

When you want to say what is missing, use the word 'de' right after. For example: 'deficiencia de [thing that is missing]'.

Don't use it for simple mistakes

Mistake: “Tengo una deficiencia en mi tarea.”

Correction: Tengo un error en mi tarea.

carencia

kah-REHN-syahkaˈɾenθja

nounB2medical/nutritional
This word is best used in medical or nutritional contexts to describe a specific lack, especially of nutrients.
A simple drawing of an empty, dry water bowl on a cracked wooden floor.

Examples

Muchos niños en el mundo sufren de una carencia de hierro.

Many children in the world suffer from an iron deficiency.

La falta de inversión provocó una carencia de recursos en la escuela.

The lack of investment caused a shortage of resources at the school.

El seguro tiene un periodo de carencia de seis meses para cirugías.

The insurance has a six-month waiting period for surgeries.

Using 'de' to describe the lack

Just like in English we say 'lack OF,' in Spanish you always follow 'carencia' with the word 'de' to identify what is missing.

Abstract vs. Concrete

While 'falta' is used for anything (like missing a bus or lacking sugar), 'carencia' is usually reserved for more serious or structural things like health, money, or emotions.

Using 'carencia' for small things

Mistake: “Tengo una carencia de sal para la sopa.”

Correction: Tengo una falta de sal / No tengo sal para la sopa.

déficit

nounB2financial/economic/health
Primarily used for financial or economic shortfalls, but can also refer to health or nutritional deficits.

Examples

El país tiene un gran déficit comercial este año.

The country has a large trade deficit this year.

pobreza

poh-BREH-sahpoˈβɾeθa

nounB2figurative
Use this term metaphorically to describe a lack or meagerness of abstract qualities like ideas, talent, or creativity.
A small, weak, withered green plant struggling to grow alone in dry, cracked brown soil, illustrating meagerness or lack of substance.

Examples

La pobreza de ideas en la reunión fue frustrante.

The meagerness of ideas at the meeting was frustrating.

Criticaron la pobreza de su estilo literario.

They criticized the deficiency (or meagerness) of his literary style.

Abstract Use

This meaning is often paired with the preposition 'de' (of) to specify what is lacking, such as 'pobreza de vocabulario' (lack of vocabulary).

Deficiencia vs. Carencia

Learners often confuse 'deficiencia' and 'carencia'. While both mean lack, 'deficiencia' is more general, whereas 'carencia' is more specific to medical or nutritional contexts.

Related Translations

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