Synonyms for
Deficit
Definition
Deficit means the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small or less than expected.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- budget deficit
- trade deficit
- fiscal deficit
- balance of payments deficit
- operating deficit
- net deficit
- annual deficit
Word family
Usage note
Often used in financial or economic contexts. 'Deficit' implies a lack or shortage, whereas its antonyms suggest an excess or abundance.
Example sentences
- The school had a budget deficit and had to cut some programs.
- The deficit in his bank account made it difficult for him to pay his bills.
- The trade deficit between the two countries continued to grow.
- The team had a scoring deficit at halftime but came back to win the game.
- The country's deficit spending caused inflation to rise.
Quotes
A budget deficit is when you spend more than you take in. The deficit is the difference between the amount of money the government takes in and the amount it spends in a year.
There is no question that the United States is running a huge budget deficit right now. The question is, are we going to do something about it?
The biggest deficit that we have in our society and in the world right now is an empathy deficit.