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

Facing a 2-0 deficit in Game 4 and a potential 3-1 series deficit, the Tampa Bay Lightning received their turning point from the unlikeliest of players. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

While rallying from a 3-1 series deficit may seem close to impossible for the Nuggets, the door doesn’t feel completely shut anymore. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

Donovan stole a potential two-run homer by senior shortstop Joey Ireland with a spectacular catch at the fence to end the fourth for the Vikings (20-1, 4-0), who rallied from a 4-0 deficit in the third. —Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

The Trojans overcame a 9-8 third-quarter deficit to gain a repeat visit to the final. —Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 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