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.

U.S. negotiations with Mexico aim to reduce the trade deficit.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

That is a very specific window in financial history, driven by Federal Reserve expansion and government deficit spending.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

Levu hit an RBI single in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

The US goods trade deficit with India was $58.2bn in 2025, a 27.1% increase over 2024.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

Perhaps some missing genes contribute to the spatial deficit.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

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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