缺乏

• Pinyin: quē fá
• Hanzi breakdown: 缺 = 缶 (jar) + 夬, to lack; 乏 = pictograph of person turning away, deficient

Meaning

To lack; to be deficient in; shortage of. Not having enough of something needed.

More formal than 缺. Used for abstract things: 缺乏经验 (lack experience), 缺乏资金 (lack funding), 缺乏信心 (lack confidence). Can describe systemic shortages.

Examples

1. 他缺乏与人沟通的能力。 He lacks the ability to communicate with others.
2. 这个项目缺乏资金支持。 This project lacks financial support.
3. 由于缺乏运动，他的身体越来越差。 Due to lack of exercise, his health is getting worse.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, criticism, assessment

Tone: critical

Do Say

• 你缺乏耐心。(You lack patience.)
• 市场上缺乏合格的人才。(The market lacks qualified talent.)

Don't Say

• 我缺乏钱。(For money, use 缺钱 — 缺乏 is for abstract qualities)

Origin & History

缺 (quē, to lack) + 乏 (fá, deficient). Both characters mean lacking, combined for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal