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
Just like the Stars against Calgary, the Wild rallied from a pair of one-goal deficits against Seattle and are once again feeling good about their game heading into Thursday’s final regular-season meeting with the Stars.
—
Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In addition, long-term structural deficits at AC Transit – including the rising costs of employees, bus maintenance, and fuel – have pushed the transit agency toward a fiscal cliff, according to budget documents.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
Due to the decline in film and TV production and spiraling health costs, the WGA health fund has run deficits totaling $200 million over the last four years.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
But as the state struggled with a sluggish economy and frequent budget deficits, the arrangement didn’t last.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
The Angels had the rookie’s back, rallying back from three separate deficits to earn an 8-7 victory in 11 innings on a game-ending sacrifice fly from Nolan Schanuel.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Oil shocks during the 1970s represented a turning point where governments started running deficits constantly instead of just occasionally, Sharma pointed out.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Scientists combined genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to key in on which gene mutation is at fault for aging and cognitive deficits.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
This is not surprising given the multibillion-dollar budget deficits that leave Marylanders shaking their heads, wondering what is happening in the governor’s office that is leaving their checking accounts under more and more pressure every month.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In addition, long-term structural deficits at AC Transit – including the rising costs of employees, bus maintenance, and fuel – have pushed the transit agency toward a fiscal cliff, according to budget documents.
—Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
Due to the decline in film and TV production and spiraling health costs, the WGA health fund has run deficits totaling $200 million over the last four years.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
But as the state struggled with a sluggish economy and frequent budget deficits, the arrangement didn’t last.
—Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
The Angels had the rookie’s back, rallying back from three separate deficits to earn an 8-7 victory in 11 innings on a game-ending sacrifice fly from Nolan Schanuel.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Oil shocks during the 1970s represented a turning point where governments started running deficits constantly instead of just occasionally, Sharma pointed out.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Scientists combined genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to key in on which gene mutation is at fault for aging and cognitive deficits.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026
This is not surprising given the multibillion-dollar budget deficits that leave Marylanders shaking their heads, wondering what is happening in the governor’s office that is leaving their checking accounts under more and more pressure every month.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 1 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficits
Noun
-
As the world creeps toward peak travel season, industry leaders are taking notice of the fuel shortages.—
Justin Klawans,
TheWeek,
13 Apr. 2026
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But even with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates rerouting some of their oil supplies and with many nations drawing from their emergency stockpiles, the world will continue to face more shortages, Pickering said.—
Jordan Blum,
Fortune,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cinch doesn't have many add-on options available, which means customization lacks.—
Caroline Ernst,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
-
As of Wednesday, firearms dealers are required under state law to use scanners that pull the prospective purchaser’s name, date of birth and other details from the card’s magnetic strip, which the new design lacks — except if they are authorized otherwise.—
Madison Smalstig,
Sacbee.com,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
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Health inspectors also noted deficiencies such as lack of handwashing, unacceptable sanitizer usage, and accumulation of food residue on non-food equipment.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficits. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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