deficit

noun

ˈde-fə-sət How to pronounce deficit (audio)
Definition of deficitnext
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number a growing deficit in the number of hours devoted to sleep

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deficit Of course, Pritzker well knows that CPS has a habit of running budget deficits year after year. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 China could reduce its advanced-chip supply deficit over the next decade as domestic production expands, but lithography is a major obstacle to semiconductor self-sufficiency, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis reported by a Chinese media outlet. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Then came a five-play, 63-yard drive and nine-play, 90-yard drive that both ended with Micah Alejado touchdown passes that flipped a 23-7 deficit into a 27-23 lead. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026 Curaçao went unbeaten in the double-elimination tournament before overcoming an early two-run deficit to the team from Henderson, Nevada. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
  1. shortage
  2. lack
  3. deficiency
Noun
  • Due to brass shortages, some knives had to be made with wooden handles, out of compressed leather washers, or bakelite plastic.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Some allege that the government has engineered fuel shortages to make an agreement unavoidable, others go further, accusing moderates of staging a coup.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • Because of a lack of variety in Halal restaurants, neither of the men had tried barbecue besides brisket before their trip.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Fast growth and lack of warnings compound disaster Steiner said about 10% of Nepal’s power production was located in the valley affected by the latest disaster.
    — Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of lack
Noun
  • Defensively, the Lions have shown improvement but still have some deficiencies.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There were also no deficiencies in communication with other helicopters in contact with DCA’s traffic control tower.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiency

Browse Nearby Words

deficiently
deficit
deficits
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Cite this Entry

“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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