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

“Our economy has been fueled by large amounts of government deficit spending and past stimulus and that increased expenditure on infrastructure remains a growing need,” Dimon says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

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