deprivation

noun

ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
Definition of deprivationnext
as in lack
the state of being robbed of something normally enjoyed the concern of some that there has been a deprivation of rights since the passing of laws to combat the threat of terrorism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deprivation Chronic sleep deprivation is more concerning. — Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 8 June 2026 Reform and Restore are no doubt relying on support from pockets of deprivation, squalor and neglect in Makerfield. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 18 June 2026 Sleep deprivation strips away that capacity, often resulting in erratic outbursts or defensive behaviors that dismantle trust instantly. — Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Chronic sleep deprivation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline, and impaired immune function. — Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Fortune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deprivation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deprivation
  1. lack
  2. loss
  3. privation
  4. denial
Noun
  • Keli Gonzalez, a painter the museum commissioned, became frustrated by the lack of female representation.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The lack of a World Cup title is the one gap on his historic résumé.
    — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • The congregation started to arrive at the usual time, about half an hour before Mass on a recent Saturday afternoon, the old church slowly filling with the descendants and caretakers of a place of great serenity but also great loss.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Fireflies are facing growing challenges from habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and light pollution.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of loss
Noun
  • Still, the mesh grids spreading across Haiti's countryside prove that the country's energy story may transcend the privation.
    — Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • These are people who still carry within them memories of war, occupation, and stretches of extreme privation.
    — Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of privation
Noun
  • One reason Pharis has been so vocal online is to fight back against the shame and denial that drive so many to withhold their HIV status from others.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Between 2016 and 2023, claim denials increased from 9% to 12%.
    — Miranda Yaver, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of denial

Browse Nearby Words

depressive
deprivation
deprivations
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Cite this Entry

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deprivation. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deprivation

Nglish: Translation of deprivation for Spanish Speakers

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