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 Heat showed some fight by cutting the deficit to three points with 52.6 seconds left.
—
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
At the time, officials projected a $158 million deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
—Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Four turnovers in five minutes, coupled with a sudden cold streak, allowed San Antonio to cut its deficit to 10 points multiple times in the third quarter.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
New Orleans cut the deficit to two when a Sacramento turnover led to a corner 3-pointer from Antonio Reeves with 5:36 to go, but a long 3 by LaVine, a couple of inside baskets by Sabonis and a turnaround jumper by DeRozan helped the Kings hold on for the win.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025
At the time, officials projected a $158 million deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
—Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
Four turnovers in five minutes, coupled with a sudden cold streak, allowed San Antonio to cut its deficit to 10 points multiple times in the third quarter.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Feb. 2025
New Orleans cut the deficit to two when a Sacramento turnover led to a corner 3-pointer from Antonio Reeves with 5:36 to go, but a long 3 by LaVine, a couple of inside baskets by Sabonis and a turnaround jumper by DeRozan helped the Kings hold on for the win.
—Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
-
This makes access easier to those who had relied on compounding pharmacies like Hims & Hers while there was a shortage of the drug.—
Paulina Likos,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2025
-
There's a regional shortage of crossing guards, leading to school safety concerns, but D.C. officials say there's another obstacle: mandatory drug tests, which 43% of applicants fail.—
Anna Spiegel,
Axios,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Some college presidents decide to weather the storm, hoping to placate enough constituents so that the motion fails for a lack of votes.—
Shaun Richman,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Webster is a good example of how luck — or a lack of it — can have a huge impact on a player’s career.—
Andy Naylor,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Nutrient deficiencies: Not getting enough iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can negatively affect your hair.—
Kelly Burch Published,
Verywell Health,
25 Feb. 2025
-
The former results from insulin deficiency, while the latter is caused by insulin resistance.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to deficit
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share