How to Say "deficient" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “deficient” is “deficiente” — B1 level.
Examples
El servicio de atención al cliente es deficiente en esta tienda.
The customer service is poor in this store.
Muchos niños sufren de una nutrición deficiente en esa región.
Many children suffer from inadequate nutrition in that region.
El informe fue considerado deficiente porque le faltaban datos importantes.
The report was considered substandard because it was missing important data.
One Form for Everyone
This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change to 'deficienta' for feminine things. You use 'deficiente' for both men and women, or masculine and feminine objects.
Placement Matters
When you put this word after a noun (like 'servicio deficiente'), you are emphasizing that the quality is objectively below standard.
The 'A' Mistake
Mistake: “La comida es deficienta.”
Correction: La comida es deficiente. Words ending in -ente usually stay the same regardless of gender.
Related Translations
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