deficit (B2)

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/

Definition

A shortfall or lack, especially the amount by which a sum of money is too small, or the difference between what is needed and what is available.

Examples

• The government reported a budget deficit of over $1 trillion.

• There is a serious deficit of qualified teachers in rural areas.

• The team's offensive deficit was evident in their low scoring.

How to Use deficit

deficit in (prepositional phrase)

A lack of something in a particular area or aspect. — "There is a significant deficit in public services in this region."

deficit of (prepositional phrase)

A lack or shortage of a specific thing. — "The report highlighted a deficit of skilled workers in the tech industry."

operating deficit (collocation)

The amount by which operating costs exceed operating revenue. — "The company's operating deficit widened due to increased raw material costs."

Synonyms of deficit

Words with a similar meaning to deficit:

• shortage
• shortfall
• lack
• insufficiency

Antonyms of deficit

Words with the opposite meaning to deficit:

• surplus
• profit
• abundance

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