deficit

noun

def·​i·​cit ˈde-fə-sət 

British also di-ˈfi-sət

or ˈdē-fə-sət

1

a(1)

: deficiency in amount or quality

a deficit in rainfall

(2)

: a lack or impairment in an ability or functional capacity

cognitive deficits

a hearing deficit

b

: disadvantage

scored two runs to overcome a 2–1 deficit

2

a

: an excess of expenditure over revenue

facing a deficit of $3 billion

raise taxes to help reduce the budget deficit

b

: a loss (see loss sense 4b) in business operations

the year's operating deficit

Synonyms of deficit

• shortage
• lack
• deficiency

Examples of deficit in a Sentence

The government is facing a deficit of $3 billion.

We will reduce the federal budget deficit.

The team overcame a four-point deficit to win the game.

She has a slight hearing deficit in her left ear.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tampa Bay rallied from a two-goal deficit, scoring three goals in the second period and five unanswered overall over the second and the third to win for the fourth time in five games and fifth time in seven. —CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026

The Spartans got a cross in front of the net and Jayde Hudson’s shot went off teammate Bella Marquez’s face for the goal in the 68th minute that cut the deficit to 2-1. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026

Notably, Cabarrus still faces budget pressures and a potential $67 million deficit by 2031 despite the increase in revenue. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026

From there, the deficit reached 30 in a third quarter that ended with the Spurs up 108-81. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déficit, going back to Middle French, "item lacking in an inventory," borrowed from Latin dēficit "it is lacking," 3rd person singular present indicative of dēficere "to be lacking, run short, fail" — more at deficient

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing deficit

• attention deficit disorder
• attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
• deficit spending
• trade deficit

Kids Definition

deficit

noun

def·​i·​cit ˈdef-ə-sət 

: a deficiency in amount

especially : an excess of expenses over income

Medical Definition

deficit

noun

de·​fi·​cit

ˈdef-(ə-)sət; British also di-ˈfis-ət, ˈdē-fə-sət

: a deficiency of a substance

a potassium deficit

also : a lack or impairment of a functional capacity

cognitive deficits