deficit

[ def-uh-sit; British also dih-fis-it ]

noun

1. the amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required amount.
2. the amount by which expenditures or liabilities exceed income or assets.
3. a lack or shortage; deficiency.
4. a disadvantage, impairment, or handicap:

   The team's major deficit is its poor pitching.

5. a loss, as in the operation of a business.

deficit

/ ˈdɛfɪsɪt; dɪˈfɪsɪt /

noun

1. the amount by which an actual sum is lower than that expected or required
2. 1. an excess of liabilities over assets
   2. an excess of expenditures over revenues during a certain period
   3. an excess of payments over receipts on the balance of payments

deficit

1. A shortage, especially the amount by which a sum of money falls short of what is required; a debt .

Other Words From

• super·defi·cit noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deficit¹

First recorded in 1775–85; from Latin dēficit “(it) lacks,” 3rd-person singular present of dēficere “to fail, run short, lack, weaken”; deficient

Word History and Origins

Origin of deficit¹

C18: from Latin, literally: there is lacking, from dēficere to be lacking

Example Sentences

If Spain are unable to overturn the deficit in the best-of-three tie, there will be no further opportunity for Nadal to play again.

From BBC

From that point Boulter showed tremendous fight to claw back the deficit, but the 28-year-old was then mortified to put a volley into the net at 30-30 in the ninth game.

From BBC

In particular, economists say the former and soon-to-be-again president’s stated plans for sweeping tariffs and tax cuts could reignite inflation and significantly raise the deficit, thus putting upward pressure on home loan costs.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has proposed sweeping tariffs and large tax cuts, something experts say would likely boost inflation and the nation’s deficit — two things that typically put upward pressure on mortgage rates.

From Los Angeles Times

To avoid government penalties, deficit holders must buy credits from companies like Tesla.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall