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.

Faster growth improves revenue and can help shrink the deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The deficit in the 2025 fiscal year was $1.78 trillion, down only slightly from the prior year’s $1.82 trillion in red ink.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Analysts said savings from trimming the free meals programme were not nearly enough if the government intends to meet its fiscal deficit limit.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

After subsisting for three months on an exceedingly marginal diet, McCandless had run up a sizable caloric deficit.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

deficit

Example Sentences

Related Words