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.

Treasurys is rapidly deteriorating as the nation’s budget deficit balloons and demand from global investors weakens.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Porzingis’ three-pointer whittled the Warriors’ deficit down to three with 8:16 left, but Garland’s three-pointer pushed the margin back to eight with 6:36 left.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"Nobody wants to make the cuts," Kennedy responded, adding that they were necessary because of a $39 trillion deficit.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The proposed tax aims to raise $500 million annually for the city’s budget deficit; Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed the plan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

From the bench, I watched our slight lead get chipped away and turn into a ten-point deficit.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Vocabulary lists containing deficit

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East Asia - Middle School

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