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Definitions

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.

But the Bruins committed four consecutive turnovers to let Texas narrow the deficit even as the Longhorns struggled to make baskets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

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

The £262m deficit for 2024-25 eclipses the £179.5m lost by Manchester City in 2011.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Through knowledge, political will, and perhaps some luck, we seem to have tamed inflation and the budget deficit.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.