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.

It was only a few weeks ago that the Knicks had pulled out a win in a different set of impossible circumstances, overcoming a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to win Game 1 of the conference finals.

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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

"Should we get a resolution that leads to a recovery in oil and gas supply then the US trade deficit will quickly deteriorate once again," he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

There’s always profit-taking or the federal deficit or something or other to account for a bearish turn, and improved corporate earnings or interest rates or whatever to account for a bullish one.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

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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