deficit

American  

[def-uh-sit, dih-fis-it] / ˈdɛf ə sɪt, dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

noun

1. the amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required amount.

2. the amount by which expenditures or liabilities exceed income or assets.

3. a lack or shortage; deficiency.

4. a disadvantage, impairment, or handicap.

   The team's major deficit is its poor pitching.

5. a loss, as in the operation of a business.

---

deficit British  

/ ˈdɛfɪsɪt, dɪˈfɪsɪt /

noun

1. the amount by which an actual sum is lower than that expected or required

2. 1. an excess of liabilities over assets

   2. an excess of expenditures over revenues during a certain period

   3. an excess of payments over receipts on the balance of payments

---

deficit Cultural  

1. A shortage, especially the amount by which a sum of money falls short of what is required; a debt.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• superdeficit
  noun

Etymology

Origin of deficit

First recorded in 1775–85; from Latin dēficit “(it) lacks,” 3rd-person singular present of dēficere “to fail, run short, lack, weaken”; see deficient

Explanation

If you're running a deficit, you are losing. You might be losing money or losing a game. Either way, you better make up for it. When the government runs on a deficit, often the loss can be offset by a raise in taxes. If you have a deficit of iron in your body, you should consider eating more spinach. The word deficit comes from the Latin deficit meaning "it is wanting." A deficit is characterized by the wanting of something missing.

Example Sentences

Deficit scolds’ warnings of a bond market ruction have been like waiting for Godot, some economists say.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neuro-developmental condition which often causes impulsiveness and inattention.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

For decades, researchers have observed that many earthquakes show far less movement at the surface than deep underground, a phenomenon known as the "Shallow Slip Deficit."

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

Deficit and debt levels were a concern, he added.

From Reuters • Sep. 13, 2023

Deficit tamen ratio habitus quantum ad usum voluntatis quia non habent dominium utendi vel non utendi, quod videtur ad rationem habitus pertinere; et ideo, proprie loquendo, in eis habitus esse non possunt.”—ibid., ad.

From Ontology or the Theory of Being by Coffey, Peter

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall