carencia

lack

noun kah-REN-syah Rare

Origin: From Latin 'carentia'.

Also means

deficiency

Usage Note

Carencia implies a structural or chronic absence of something needed, making it stronger than falta (a simple missing item). Medical Spanish uses carencia vitamínica for 'vitamin deficiency'. The adjective carente (lacking in) pairs closely with it: carente de recursos ('lacking resources').

Examples

"La carencia de agua potable es un problema serio."

Natural Translation

The lack of drinking water is a serious problem.

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