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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Recent Examples of deficit
The Timberwolves overcame a 19-point deficit to even the first-round series, which shifts to Minnesota for Game 3 on Thursday night.
—
ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
The Sabres finally broke through against Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman when Team USA star Tage Thompson snuck around from behind the net and backhanded the puck between Swayman and the post to cut the deficit in half.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
LeBron James finishes with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA postseason record by erasing a 25-point halftime deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-114 and take a 3-0 lead.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Social Security has been operating at a deficit since 2021, requiring trustees to draw on reserve funds to meet its obligations.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
The Sabres finally broke through against Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman when Team USA star Tage Thompson snuck around from behind the net and backhanded the puck between Swayman and the post to cut the deficit in half.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
LeBron James finishes with 41 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, and the Cleveland Cavaliers set an NBA postseason record by erasing a 25-point halftime deficit to beat the Indiana Pacers 119-114 and take a 3-0 lead.
—Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Social Security has been operating at a deficit since 2021, requiring trustees to draw on reserve funds to meet its obligations.
—David McMillin, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
-
As the Department of Transportation faced criticism for widespread flight delays caused by a shortage of air traffic controllers amid a government shutdown in 2025, Duffy appeared at a campaign event for his son.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Apr. 2026
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With a smorgasbord of food deals from local and national chains to choose from, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The lack of information drove Congress last year to pass the bill forcing the DOJ to release the Epstein files.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Other fire survivors complained of Edison’s lack of planning and coordination with residents.—
Melody Petersen,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Given Luna’s physical deficiencies, the system relies on human employees to prepare the shop and interact with customers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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