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

However, going further into detail reveals knowledge deficits here as well, which in turn correspond to research gaps: How are plastics in the environment transported further by wind and water?

From Science Daily

Young adults at risk of psychosis show reduced brain connectivity, a deficit that cannabis use appears to worsen, a new study has found.

From Science Daily

Analysts attribute the shift to higher-than-expected tax revenues and prior actions to offset the deficit.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall