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

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

Faced with a $3 million deficit, South Hadley’s elected selectboard put two override questions on the ballot—one for $9 million, one for $11 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Arsenal have a Champions League tie to contend with on Wednesday, but City's attention will now fully turn to next Sunday's meeting against Mikel Arteta's side with the tantalising prospect of further reducing the deficit.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Los Osos 4, JSerra 3: A four-run seventh helped Los Osos overcome a 3-0 deficit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

The US budget deficit remained virtually stable during the first three months of 2026, as increased revenue -- primarily from income taxes and customs duties -- offset an acceleration in spending.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

It may be that some missing genes are more contributive to the spatial deficit.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall