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.

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

However, there haven’t been great improvements in the annual budget deficit and the national debt.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The £262m deficit for 2024-25 eclipses the £179.5m lost by Manchester City in 2011.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Through knowledge, political will, and perhaps some luck, we seem to have tamed inflation and the budget deficit.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

deficit

Example Sentences

Related Words