Deprivation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪprɪˈveɪʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A state of being without something essential or necessary, often causing hardship or distress, especially in regard to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, clothing, or healthcare.

Examples

• The refugee family struggled with severe deprivation after being forced to leave their home.
• Deprivation of basic necessities can lead to health problems and malnutrition.

Synonyms

• Poverty
• Neediness
• Scarcity

Antonyms

• Abundance
• Prosperity
• Sufficiency

Additional Information

Deprivation can be caused by various factors, including poverty, conflict, natural disasters, or government policies. It can have serious effects on individuals’ and communities’ well-being, including increased risk of illness, poor mental health, and social exclusion.

Addressing deprivation requires a comprehensive approach that involves providing access to basic necessities, promoting economic growth, and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality.

Etymology

The word “deprivation” comes from the Latin words “deprivare,” meaning “to take away,” and “privational,” meaning “privation” or “want.” The term has been used since the 15th century to describe the state of being without something essential or necessary.

Usage Notes

Deprivation can be used to describe a state of being without something essential or necessary, whether it is a lack of food, water, shelter, clothing, or healthcare. It can also be used to describe the effects of poverty, conflict, natural disasters, or government policies on individuals and communities.

Cultural References

Deprivation has been a theme in various forms of art and literature, including novels, films, and documentaries. For example, the novel “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck depicts the Deprivation and struggle of the Joad family during the Great Depression.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Deprived of one’s rights”
• “Deprived of one’s liberty”

Related Words or Phrases

• Neediness
• Poverty
• Sufficiency

Collocations

• “Deprivation of basic needs”
• “Deprivation of human rights”

Frequency of Use

Deprivation is a relatively rare word in everyday language, but it is used frequently in academic and scholarly contexts to describe the effects of poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.

Common Misspellings

• Deprication
• Depreviation