Definitions

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.

Russell heads into this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix with a 43-point deficit to his Mercedes team-mate after the Briton's engine failed while leading in Montreal.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, currently working on the draft budget for 2027, has vowed to bring the deficit down to below three percent of GDP by 2029.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

Budgetary matters associated with unionization may also be a concern at USC, which laid off more than 1,000 workers and cut spending last year amid a greater than $200-million deficit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

"That simple adjustment was enough to reverse anxiety-related and social deficit behaviors, which is remarkable," says Álvaro García, first author of the study.

From Science Daily • Jun. 3, 2026

After subsisting for three months on an exceedingly marginal diet, McCandless had run up a sizable caloric deficit.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Vocabulary lists containing deficit

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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ACT Vocabulary List

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East Asia - Middle School

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