Deficiencies in deserts (7)
I believe the answer is:
defects
This might be a double definition.
'deficiencies' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both human attributes as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'deserts' is the second definition.
('defect' can be a synonym of 'desert')
'in' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for defects that I've seen before include "Faults" , "Flaws" , "defaults" , "Abandons cause" , "Shortcomings; changes sides" .)