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.

The agreement comes after the district warned in February that a looming $877 million deficit could require thousands of layoffs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

The national deficit has already increased by more than $1.1 trillion this year, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Arsenal have a Champions League tie to contend with on Wednesday, but City's attention will now fully turn to next Sunday's meeting against Mikel Arteta's side with the tantalising prospect of further reducing the deficit.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Pep Guardiola's side, looking to claw back the deficit, can increase the pressure when they host the leaders in a monumental fixture at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 19 April.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

We hung in there most of the match, but had acquired a large deficit going into the seventh bout.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Vocabulary lists containing deficit

Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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ACT Vocabulary List

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East Asia - Middle School

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