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

Double-digit raises have been promised to union workers by a school system that for months has proclaimed that it is in dire financial straits, trapped in deficit spending and facing potential insolvency in four years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 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

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

The dollar has broadly weakened, in part because planned tax cuts and other policies are fueling fears about deficit spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 29, 2025

Roman economy was honey-combed with problems created by deficit spending, currency devaluation and exploitation.

From Civilization and Beyond Learning from History by Nearing, Scott

Related Words

• budget deficit