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

The regulator had said it expected 40% of universities to be in financial deficit in 2023-24.

From BBC

UC officials told regents Wednesday that the 10-campus university system could face a $504.7-million financial shortfall in 2025-26 if the state makes good on warnings earlier this year to reduce higher education funding as it grapples with a budget deficit.

From Los Angeles Times

But officials acknowledged the request would probably be turned down given the state’s estimated $28.4-billion budget deficit in 2025-26.

From Los Angeles Times

Dundee University has told staff that job losses are "inevitable" as it faces a potential deficit of £30m in the next financial year.

From BBC

In an all-staff email, the university's principal, Prof Iain Gillespie, said it was planning for "a significant deficit" in the wake of "an extremely challenging period" for the UK higher education sector.

From BBC

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall