deprivation

noun

dep·​ri·​va·​tion ˌde-prə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
also
ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
1
: the state of being kept from possessing, enjoying, or using something : the state of being deprived : privation
especially : removal from an office, dignity, or benefice
2
: an act or instance of withholding or taking something away from someone or something : an act or instance of depriving : loss
overcoming the deprivations of their childhoods
the hazards of oxygen deprivation

Examples of deprivation in a Sentence

She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation. She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Daylight Saving Time and Decision Making Sleep researchers warn that sleep deprivation can severely impact those who make critical decisions, including managers, military commanders, and politicians. Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Sleep deprivation comes with real costs Chronic sleep deprivation does more than leave people tired. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 7 Mar. 2025 To this day, doctors can't explain why Lemons never experienced physical or mental side effects from the oxygen deprivation, and Lemons went back to work just three weeks later. EW.com, 3 Mar. 2025 The sores are also associated with sleep deprivation, another challenge to immunity. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deprivation

Word History

Etymology

see deprive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deprivation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deprivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deprivation. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

deprivation

noun
de·​pri·​va·​tion ˌdep-rə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce deprivation (audio) ˌdē-ˌprī- How to pronounce deprivation (audio)
: the act or process of removing or the condition resulting from removal of something normally present and usually essential for mental or physical well-being
his nervous system may have been affected by early oxygen deprivationJack Fincher
sleep deprivation

More from Merriam-Webster on deprivation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!