deficio

Deficio is a Latin verb of the third conjugation, and is usually classified as a third-conjugation -io verb. The principal parts are deficio, deficere, defeci, defectum. The present active indicative forms include deficio, deficis, deficit, deficimus, deficitis, deficiunt; the perfect active is defeci, with participial forms such as defectus or defectum used in various constructions. The verb is typically described as meaning to fail, desert, withdraw, or be deficient, and it can apply to persons, groups, actions, or supplies.

Meaning and usage

In classical Latin, deficio carried a range of senses related to failure or withdrawal. It can denote desertion or withdrawal from a person, place, or duty, as in leaving a position or withdrawing support. It can also mean to fail in meeting expectations, to lack or be deficient in quantity or quality, or to withdraw from participation. The verb is commonly used with direct objects or with prepositional phrases such as ab + ablative (to desert or withdraw from someone or something) or ex + ablative (to withdraw from a place or group). In military or logistical contexts, deficio can describe a force or supply that runs short or deserts.

Derivative and afterlife in other languages

From deficio, related Latin forms such as deficere and defectus or defectum appear, contributing to English terms like deficit and defect. The present tense form deficit also appears in Latin, carrying the sense of “fails” or “is deficient.” In English, the noun deficit denotes a shortfall, a concept that traces back to this verb’s sense of lacking or failing.

Notes

Deficio is a classical Latin verb and is not commonly used as a term in modern English outside scholarly or historical discussion.