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
The trend aligns with Zillow’s 2026 hottest markets analysis, which found six of the 10 most competitive housing markets are in the Northeast, where new construction has lagged and inventory deficits run deep.
—
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 June 2026
That support has led to huge cheers as Iran has battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to tie this match in the second half.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world's largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
—CBS News, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside of Iran.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
At the same time, mine production has struggled to keep pace with demand, contributing to recurring supply deficits in the global silver market.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
The single that slipped through the middle of the infield had allowed the Mets to strike first in a game just getting started, but early deficits feel deep gorges these days.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Chronic budget deficits are hard to ignore.
—William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 June 2026
That support has led to huge cheers as Iran has battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to tie this match in the second half.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world's largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
—CBS News, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside of Iran.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
At the same time, mine production has struggled to keep pace with demand, contributing to recurring supply deficits in the global silver market.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Yet the Iranians also overcame two deficits in an exciting match, getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebi in the 64th minute before a strongly pro-Iranian crowd at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles, which has the world’s largest population of Iranians outside Iran.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
The single that slipped through the middle of the infield had allowed the Mets to strike first in a game just getting started, but early deficits feel deep gorges these days.
—Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026
Chronic budget deficits are hard to ignore.
—William Baldwin, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficits
Noun
-
Cuba provides free, universal healthcare, but the system has been pushed to the brink as a result of resource shortages, fuel scarcity and power outages that can last more than 20 hours.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
-
Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s critical infrastructure have also led to gasoline shortages in some areas and persistent airport delays.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
The artist thought that paintings and drawings have a certain depth that photography on its own lacks.—
Kelsey Ables,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
-
What Hafley’s team lacks are proven, established names; productivity that can be relied on if healthy.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
7 June 2026
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.—
Maddie White,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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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.—
Sara Hoffman,
Verywell Health,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficits. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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