English Reference
noun

deprivation

n.
US /ˌdɛpɹəˈveɪʃən/ UK /dɪpɹɪvˈeɪʃən/ de·pri·va·tion UK spelling deprivation's, deprivation's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where you do not have enough of something important, such as sleep, food, or money.

    the state of being without something necessary or desirable; often uncountable when referring to a general condition.

    Simple

    After three days of sleep deprivation, he found it hard to focus on his work.

    In context

    Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to significant cognitive impairment and long-term health complications if left unaddressed by medical professionals.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the state of living without the basic things people need to be healthy and happy.

    the damaging lack of material and social resources; often used in a socio-economic context to describe poverty.

    Simple

    The charity works in areas of extreme social deprivation to help families in need.

    In context

    The government's new policy aims to tackle urban deprivation by investing in local infrastructure and educational programmes for disadvantaged youth.

    povertyhardshipdestitution
  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the act of taking something away from someone or preventing them from having it.

    the act of depriving or dispossessing someone of a right, power, or possession.

    Simple

    The prisoner complained about the deprivation of his legal rights.

    In context

    The court ruled that the arbitrary deprivation of property without due process was a violation of constitutional law.

    removalwithdrawaldispossession

Usage social deprivation

That could make weight management easier for some people by reducing the sense of deprivation that can come with traditional calorie-cutting approaches.

ScienceDaily· 17 Aug 2026

The court issued a deprivation order on 8 June - that the farmer must have the animals removed from his ownership.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated