damage, lack, scarce

缺 is composed of 缶 (clay vessel) and 夬 (notched jade ring). 缶 is a pictograph of a clay vessel for holding wine, while 夬 depicts a hand holding a ring-shaped jade artifact with a break or notch. Thus, 缺 originally refers to damage or a break on the surface of a vessel. If a vessel’s surface is damaged, it causes leakage, so 缺 also means shortage or deficiency.