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
District officials hope to to maintain student enrollment and ease the strain of a $65 million deficit, all while warding off the looming threat of a state takeover.
—
Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Most important, even though some firms that automate entry-level roles may continue to perform well individually, the collective impact could be a major national talent deficit, jeopardizing the United States at large for decades and damaging its competitive position worldwide.
—Patrick E. Hopkins, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
And despite sinking into an early 20-point deficit, the Bulls gave it to the Lakers in spurts throughout the fourth quarter.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
By the game’s end, when Brentwood came back from an 11-point deficit to defeat rival Crossroads 70-60, the 6-foot-7 Hill was using all of his final energy to dance with the delirious student section that got loud and boisterous and helped inspire the Eagles’ rally.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026
Most important, even though some firms that automate entry-level roles may continue to perform well individually, the collective impact could be a major national talent deficit, jeopardizing the United States at large for decades and damaging its competitive position worldwide.
—Patrick E. Hopkins, Fortune, 27 Jan. 2026
And despite sinking into an early 20-point deficit, the Bulls gave it to the Lakers in spurts throughout the fourth quarter.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
By the game’s end, when Brentwood came back from an 11-point deficit to defeat rival Crossroads 70-60, the 6-foot-7 Hill was using all of his final energy to dance with the delirious student section that got loud and boisterous and helped inspire the Eagles’ rally.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Vicki M. Young,
Footwear News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The court acquitted Kim of two other charges, citing a lack of evidence and other reasons.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Jan. 2026
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The meeting was canceled because of a lack of a quorum.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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However, the creditor cannot seek a deficiency judgment if the asset sale does not fully satisfy the debt ― this is because the debt has been discharged.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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People who spend a lot of time indoors or have dark skin are at risk for vitamin D deficiency.—
Mark Stibich,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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