deprivation
dep-ri-VAY-shun
/ˌdeprɪˈveɪʃn/
The damaging lack of material benefits considered to be basic necessities in a society.
Deprivation can refer to food, but it is often used for sleep, social contact, or sensory input.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'deprivare,' which meant to strip someone of their office or property. It implies that something that should be there has been taken away or is missing.
Word relationships
- privation: Privation is a slightly more archaic term for the same concept, often used in a religious or ascetic context.
- indulgence: The act of allowing oneself to enjoy something, especially in excess.
Commonly confused with
- poverty: Poverty is a financial state; deprivation is the actual lack of the goods or experiences themselves.
Word family
- deprive (verb): To prevent someone from having something.
- deprived (adjective): Lacking the necessities of life.
Collocations
- sleep deprivation
- sensory deprivation
- social deprivation
- extreme deprivation
Example sentences
- "The study examined the long-term effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance." Sociological study.
- "Relative deprivation occurs when people feel they lack the resources others in their community possess." Economic analysis.
Memory hook
Deprivation = De-Private. You are losing your private/basic needs. Deprive = Take away.
When not to use
Don't use it for a temporary inconvenience, like 'I suffered phone deprivation for an hour.'
Fun facts
- Sensory deprivation tanks (isolation tanks) are used both for psychological research and as a form of alternative therapy.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.