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.

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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

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deficit Cultural  

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

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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

Dominic Solanke bundled home to reduce the deficit kicking the back of City defender Marc Guehi's leg in the act of scoring, but VAR reviewed the incident and the goal was allowed to stand.

From Barron's

The visitors showed plenty of fight as Raul Jimenez's penalty halved the deficit five minutes from time before Kevin's spectacular strike looked to have salvaged a point.

From Barron's

The budget has laid a strong emphasis on fiscal restraint, targeting a lower deficit for the upcoming financial year.

From BBC

Unified warns of likely staff layoffs and future budget deficits.

From Los Angeles Times

"I just hate giving up," added the Spaniard after overcoming cramp and battling back from a 5-3 deficit in the deciding set against Zverev.

From Barron's

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall