Absence or deficiency of phytochemicals in processed foods may contribute to increased risk of preventable diseases.

He prayed he might be forgiven whatever deficiency in him had contributed to her waywardness.

Some researchers speculate that abnormalities or deficiencies in the receptors for certain neurotransmitters may contribute to some forms of myoclonus.

In its criticism of the hospital, the state said the hospital's deficiencies may have contributed to the deaths of five patients.

The bank called it "unjustified" to suggest that "alleged deficiencies in its screening of payments contributed to illicit surcharges."

But his team's deficiencies would immediately contribute to a Connecticut surge that would put the game out of reach.

The investigating panel of three admirals found that "deeply rooted problems and structural deficiencies" in major training areas contributed to the disastrous launching.

Contributing factors may include a hormone deficiency (in women), low-calcium diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and certain medications.

Mr. Blier goes so far as to suggest that technical deficiencies contributed to some singers' popular appeal.

Yet as fate would have it, the very deficiencies in the hall's acoustics may have contributed much to the orchestra's sound.