deficit

American  

[def-uh-sit, dih-fis-it] / ˈdɛf ə sɪt, dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

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 British  

/ 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 Cultural  

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

---

Other Word Forms

• superdeficit noun

Etymology

Origin of deficit

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

Example Sentences

Having overturned a 2-0 deficit to stun Manchester City at the same stage last season, that confidence is not unfounded.

From BBC

The Chinese share of American imports has dropped to the lowest level since 2001, but overall U.S. trade deficit has risen.

From The Wall Street Journal

Observers say Jakarta's hand may eventually be forced given that the government is required by law to keep fiscal deficit under three percent of gross domestic product.

From Barron's

Additional stress is generated by the recent uptick in M&A activity, which has led to higher new bond issuance, just as rising public deficits suggest increased sovereign-bond supply.

From MarketWatch

The Chinese share of American imports drops to the lowest level since 2001, but overall U.S. goods trade deficit rises.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• loss
• shortfall