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
There was a time when Republicans claimed to care about debt and deficits.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
On Wednesday night, in the Class M semifinal game, the Wildcats rallied from a four-run deficit to win 5-4 over Stonington on a walk-off in the eighth inning.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Red Hot Paige Spiranac Gives U.S. Open Dark Horses, Breaks Down Oakmont
Johnny Miller won the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont in spectacular fashion, shooting a final-round 63 to overcome a six-shot deficit and finish one shot ahead of runner-up John Schlee.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
The city is battling its own budget deficit of more than a billion dollars.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
On Wednesday night, in the Class M semifinal game, the Wildcats rallied from a four-run deficit to win 5-4 over Stonington on a walk-off in the eighth inning.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Red Hot Paige Spiranac Gives U.S. Open Dark Horses, Breaks Down Oakmont
Johnny Miller won the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont in spectacular fashion, shooting a final-round 63 to overcome a six-shot deficit and finish one shot ahead of runner-up John Schlee.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
The city is battling its own budget deficit of more than a billion dollars.
—Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
-
To address the critical worker shortage, Massachusetts must prioritize benefits and training and improve pay for DSPs.—
Brian Cusack,
Boston Herald,
25 June 2025
-
There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
A lot of people watch Fox or MSNBC or ABC to get their news, but as far as programming that’s reality-based or even scripted even, there’s a lack of quality content that’s produced well for that (conservative) audience.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
18 June 2025
-
The difference in the workout actual total has been the Heat’s lack of a selection in the June 26 second round of the two-round draft.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Grassley cited a Government Accountability Office report issued last year that detailed deficiencies in the program’s management dating back to 2009.—
Ryan J. Foley,
Los Angeles Times,
24 June 2025
-
Studies show that patients not meeting the diagnostic criteria for testosterone deficiency are still being prescribed testosterone therapy, often based on vague symptoms.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share