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deficit
/ˈdɛfɪsɪt/
shortfall or insufficiency
The country faced a budget deficit this year.
The government spent more money than it collected in taxes.
Finance
formal
A shortfall or insufficiency, especially in financial or economic contexts.
The company reported a deficit of $5 million last quarter.
The company's expenses exceeded its revenue by $5 million.
Commonly used in financial and economic discussions.
general
A lack or shortage of something, such as a nutrient or skill.
Many children suffer from a vitamin D deficit.
Many children do not get enough vitamin D.
Used in various contexts beyond finance.
Medicine
technical
In medicine, a deficit refers to a loss or impairment of a bodily function.
The patient showed a motor deficit after the stroke.
The patient had difficulty moving certain muscles after the stroke.
Used in medical and neurological contexts.
Collocations
budget deficita shortfall in government revenue compared to spendingtrade deficita situation where a country imports more than it exportsdeficit spendingspending more money than is collected in revenue
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Financial Context
In finance, 'deficit' often refers to a budget deficit, where spending exceeds revenue.
Medical Context
In medicine, a 'deficit' refers to a loss or impairment of a bodily function.
Gold Rule
Avoid Confusion
Do not confuse 'deficit' with 'debt', which refers to money borrowed and not yet repaid.
Word Origin
From Latin 'deficit', third-person singular present indicative of 'deficere' (to lack, fail).
Usage Notes
In finance, 'deficit' often refers to a budget deficit, where expenses exceed revenue. In medicine, it refers to a loss of function.
Word Breakdown
de-
from, away from
prefix-fic-
to make, do
root-it
third-person singular present indicative
suffixEnglish Dictionary