deficit

[def-uh-sit, dih-fis-it] / ˈdɛf ə sɪt, dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

NOUN

shortage of something needed, required

Synonyms

STRONGEST

loss shortfall

STRONG

arrears defalcation default deficiency dues inadequacy insufficiency lack paucity scantiness shortcoming

WEAK

dead horse due bill in hock in the hole in the red insufficience red ink underage

Antonyms

STRONG

abundance adequacy advantage enough perfection plenty satisfaction success sufficiency

WEAK

excess superfluousness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This “formula,” it was quickly discovered, actually just represented the trade deficit with each country.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But the Bruins committed four consecutive turnovers to let Texas narrow the deficit even as the Longhorns struggled to make baskets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The trade deficit widened by $10.5 billion in February, excluding imports and exports of gold that aren’t counted in GDP.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Faster growth improves revenue and can help shrink the deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Because individuals have different talents, one individual consistently tends to wind up with an excess of some essentials and a deficit of others.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

deficit

Example Sentences

Related Words