Definition
先天不足 is a four-character idiom that literally means 'congenitally deficient' — an inherent defect present from birth. It is used both medically (physical weaknesses) and figuratively (flaws in plans, theories, systems, or organizations that were present from the start and limit success). Use it when you want to describe a fundamental flaw that cannot be easily fixed later.
f.e.
inherent deficiencycongenital defectinborn weakness (also used figuratively)
Examples
- 先天不足，。Zhège xiàngmù cóng yì kāishǐ jiù xiān tiān bú, hěn nán chénggōng.This project had inherent deficiencies from the start, so it's hard to succeed.
- 先天不足，。Tā de shēntǐ xiān tiān bú, suǒyǐ jīngcháng shēngbìng.His body has an inborn weakness, so he often gets sick.
- 先天不足，。Zhège lǐlùn xiān tiān bú, wúfǎ jiěshì suǒyǒu xiànxiàng.This theory has inherent flaws and cannot explain all phenomena.
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