as in shortages
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 deficits
An Australian study of advanced brain images found significant alterations even among people who had already recovered from mild infections — a possible explanation for cognitive deficits that may persist for years.
—
Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
This year the squeeze is particularly bothersome because the Legislature’s budget advisor, Gabe Petek, and Department of Finance officials are both warning that the state faces large and growing budget deficits after Newsom departs.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Among the more than 100,000 participants, deficits were greater in people who had persistent symptoms and reached the equivalent of a nine-point IQ drop for individuals admitted to intensive care.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
This year the squeeze is particularly bothersome because the Legislature’s budget advisor, Gabe Petek, and Department of Finance officials are both warning that the state faces large and growing budget deficits after Newsom departs.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Mayor Todd Gloria said the money is part of how the city is addressing its recurring deficits of more than $100 million per year.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
In addition, the Magic have struggled at the start of games as of late, which has led to deficits too large to overcome at times.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
If the government decided to collect an extra $14,600 from households, that would simply pay the interest expense on the debt, and hence slow its upward trajectory by curbing one of the largest contributors to the deficits.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
None of these are deficits when used consciously rather than reactively.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
This year the squeeze is particularly bothersome because the Legislature’s budget advisor, Gabe Petek, and Department of Finance officials are both warning that the state faces large and growing budget deficits after Newsom departs.
—Dan Walters, Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2026
Among the more than 100,000 participants, deficits were greater in people who had persistent symptoms and reached the equivalent of a nine-point IQ drop for individuals admitted to intensive care.
—Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
This year the squeeze is particularly bothersome because the Legislature’s budget advisor, Gabe Petek, and Department of Finance officials are both warning that the state faces large and growing budget deficits after Newsom departs.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026
Mayor Todd Gloria said the money is part of how the city is addressing its recurring deficits of more than $100 million per year.
—Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2026
In addition, the Magic have struggled at the start of games as of late, which has led to deficits too large to overcome at times.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026
If the government decided to collect an extra $14,600 from households, that would simply pay the interest expense on the debt, and hence slow its upward trajectory by curbing one of the largest contributors to the deficits.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 21 Jan. 2026
None of these are deficits when used consciously rather than reactively.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficits
Noun
-
Staffing shortages identified years ago continue to undermine security and basic operations.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The delivery comes as Ukraine leans heavily on drones to offset shortages in traditional missiles and aircraft.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Economic theory would suggest that the best place to make a major investment such as a STAR bond would be in a place that has low, or lacks, economic activity.—
Sofi Zeman
January 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Jan. 2026
-
The 6-2, 2-00-pounder lacks experience but does boast ideal length and versatility and currently projects as a late-round selection or free agent.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
It’s usually caused by a metabolic change in your body, either from hormones, nutritional deficiencies, high levels of stress, or medication.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
29 Jan. 2026
-
State auditors released a report detailing deficiencies in everything from IT contingency planning to incident response and risk management.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficits. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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