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.

The Knicks staged the biggest comeback in Finals history as they erased a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 on Wednesday and take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

It was only a few weeks ago that the Knicks had pulled out a win in a different set of impossible circumstances, overcoming a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to win Game 1 of the conference finals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Those permitted upgrades are also allowed to spend extra money under the engine budget cap, on a sliding scale depending on the performance deficit.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

In the past quarter, the U.S. current account deficit was $190.7 billion.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Perhaps some missing genes contribute to the spatial deficit.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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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