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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 county faced a $35 million budget shortfall for the 2026-27 fiscal year and anticipates additional deficits for at least the next two years.
—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
Starting June 30, Sotheby’s will offer the game-winning basketball from the Knicks’ improbable Game 4 comeback against the San Antonio Spurs, in which the team erased an unprecedented 29-point deficit at MSG.
—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
22 June 2026
The challenge is using these tools without quietly transferring AI’s credibility deficit onto the science the images are meant to convey.
—
Nan Li,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Unemployment fell below 4%, the stock market reached what were then record highs, and the federal government began running budget surpluses rather than deficits.
—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
23 June 2026
Starting June 30, Sotheby’s will offer the game-winning basketball from the Knicks’ improbable Game 4 comeback against the San Antonio Spurs, in which the team erased an unprecedented 29-point deficit at MSG.
—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
22 June 2026
The challenge is using these tools without quietly transferring AI’s credibility deficit onto the science the images are meant to convey.
—
Nan Li,
The Conversation,
22 June 2026
Unemployment fell below 4%, the stock market reached what were then record highs, and the federal government began running budget surpluses rather than deficits.
—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
-
The Crimean peninsula has had periodic fuel shortages from Ukrainian strikes before, but the current crisis is the worst since its 2014 annexation.
-
Novelli said one of the reasons many kids in New Haven are still behind in reading is a shortage of pre-kindergarten education.
Noun
-
These areas often have awkward entrances and lack ventilation, which allows heat to build quickly.
-
Nearly half acknowledged mental health issues, and 34% felt their lack of personal relationships was a factor that contributed to feeling purposeless.
Noun
-
The growing calls for accountability come as a local animal rescue founder has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Jose, alleging serious deficiencies in shelter operations.
-
Iron and vitamin D deficiencies can both cause fatigue, but iron deficiency tends to have a more direct and noticeable effect on energy, especially in women with heavy periods.
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
