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.

He said he was running to “save LA” and vowed to be transparent during natural disasters and cut the city deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The Sparks led by nine points in the second quarter but surrendered the lead late in the quarter as the Wings capitalized on 55% shooting to cut their deficit to one by halftime.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

That deficit was the result of SpaceX’s spending on its huge, fully reusable Starship rocket, which set the company back some $15 billion over time.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

They overturned a 22-point deficit in the opener of Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 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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