deficit spending

American  

noun

1. the practice of spending funds in excess of income, especially by a government.

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Etymology

Origin of deficit spending

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

On the other side, the district points to ongoing deficit spending that officials predict is likely to wipe out entirely the reserves in three to four years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“Current deficit spending as a percent of GDP of 5.2% would be 6.1% without tariff revenue,” says Bill Merz, head of capital markets research at U.S.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Trade wars, deficit spending and a falling dollar helped gold prices surge 65% in 2025 and to records above $5,300 a troy ounce in January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

McLennan pointed to two paths forward for governments in developed economies to address their deficit spending and high levels of debt.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 27, 2026

In 2001, during a civil conflict, the economy shrank 4.5% because of decreased trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on security needs, and investor uncertainty.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Related Words

• budget deficit