# deprivation

/ˌdɛpɹəˈveɪʃən/ (US) · /dɪpɹɪvˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deprivation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the state of lacking something

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- After three days of sleep deprivation, he found it hard to focus on his work.
- Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to significant cognitive impairment and long-term health complications if left unaddressed by medical professionals.

### 2. poverty or hardship

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

- The charity works in areas of extreme social deprivation to help families in need.
- The government's new policy aims to tackle urban deprivation by investing in local infrastructure and educational programmes for disadvantaged youth.

### 3. the act of taking away

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

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

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

- The prisoner complained about the deprivation of his legal rights.
- The court ruled that the arbitrary deprivation of property without due process was a violation of constitutional law.

## Examples

- The village suffered from water deprivation.
- Sleep deprivation makes it hard to focus on work.
- The report highlighted how chronic sleep deprivation among nurses compromises patient safety and increases medical errors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.