Meaning

Primary

Lack

Alternatives

Scarcity, Deficiency

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

We are lacking and things are scarce. We have a lack, scarcity, or deficiency of something we need, whether it's nutrients, oxygen, or other kinds of resources.

Reading

けつぼう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 鉄欠乏

    iron deficiency

    酸素欠乏

    oxygen deficiency

    ビタミン欠乏

    vitamin deficiency

Context Sentences

検査の結果、ビタミンDが欠乏していることがわかった。

The test results showed that I'm deficient in vitamin D.

野菜や果物を食べない人は、ビタミン欠乏症になりやすいですよ。

People who don't eat vegetables or fruit are more likely to develop a vitamin deficiency.

彼女は先天的にメラニンが欠乏している、いわゆる「アルビノ」なんだよ。

She has a congenital lack of melanin, commonly known as "albinism."

お医者さんに行ったら、鉄欠乏性貧血って診断されました。

When I went to the doctor, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.

Kanji Composition