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

• 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”; deficient

Example Sentences

Denmark’s national bank reported Greenland faces a slowing economy, skilled worker shortages, and rising healthcare costs leading to a 2025 deficit.

From Barron's

Denmark’s national bank reported Greenland faces a slowing economy, skilled worker shortages, and rising healthcare costs leading to a 2025 deficit.

From Barron's

White posits as one possible source of respite that most countries have similar issues, so if, for instance, investors are concerned about an unsustainable deficit in France, there aren’t so many great alternatives.

From MarketWatch

A ruling against the administration could lead to importer refunds and raise questions about trade pacts and the fiscal deficit.

From Barron's

A win in the finale, cutting the deficit to 3-2, would provide a rose-tint fitting of the pink day in Sydney.

From BBC

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall