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 The deficit nonetheless moved to 109-92 with 6:34 remaining. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025 Feyenoord Feyenoord only face a two-goal deficit against Inter and scored three against both Bayern and Manchester City this season. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 If reducing the trade deficit is Trump’s goal, his administration would do better to focus its efforts on shrinking the federal budget deficit, a major source of excess spending in the U.S. economy. — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025 That, plus 13 turnovers, added up to a 64-47 halftime deficit for Brooklyn. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
  1. shortage
  2. lack
  3. deficiency
Noun
  • The cybersecurity industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals as threats from nation-state actors and cybercriminals escalate fueled by easy access to AI tools.
    — Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Analysis by the think tank outlines how despite Putin's record spending, Russia's military industrial complex (MIC) is still beset by labor and component shortages, a collapse in arms exports and difficulties in modernizing.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of shortage
Noun
  • The minimum amount of moving parts, along with the lack of bearings and the frictionless environment, make the heart extremely durable.
    — Michael Franco, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025
  • But Brown's lack of rhythm offensively does seem to play a role in Boston occasionally struggling against good teams.
    — Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of lack
Noun
  • This combination — of high temperatures and metal deficiency — could explain why metal lines were absent in current observations.
    — Victoria Corless, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • However, vitamin deficiencies can negatively affect hair health.1 Foods high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, fat-soluble vitamins, and B-complex vitamins—such as leafy greens, eggs, and fatty fish—aid hair growth.2 1.
    — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of deficiency

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“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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