Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for deficit. Search instead for defizit.
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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

However, the hosts were unable to reduce the deficit further in the closing stages.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

All half- bloods had attention deficit problems because of our inborn battlefield reflexes.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.