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 SpaceX IPO could lead to 8% of America’s current-account deficit being refinanced in a single day.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Free cash flow has evaporated for Oracle and the deficit is being filled by debt, and perhaps future equity sales.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

He said he was running to “save LA” and vowed to be transparent during natural disasters and cut the city deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

But the next governor is going to face some really tough challenges, including a structural budget deficit that’s probably going to require both painful cuts and unpopular tax hikes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

All half- bloods had attention deficit problems because of our inborn battlefield reflexes.

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan

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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