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.

The solution looks obvious: the U.S. should slash its budget deficit and China should reform its financial and fiscal system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

They erased a 14-point second-half deficit to stun the Spurs in San Antonio in game one of the Finals.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

After an utterly dominant first half, the Spurs led by 29 points in the third quarter—a deficit no team competing for an NBA championship had ever recovered from.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Those permitted upgrades are also allowed to spend extra money under the engine budget cap, on a sliding scale depending on the performance deficit.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

It may be that some missing genes are more contributive 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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