Deficit
A shortfall or deficiency; the amount by which something, especially money, falls short of what is required or expected.
nounDeficit
A shortfall or deficiency; the amount by which something, especially money, falls short of what is required or expected.
nounImagine This
Imagine a city's annual budget with a hole in the middle of the cash ledger. The receipts fall short of expenditures by a large amount, creating a visible gap labeled 'Deficit'.
Sounds Like
DEF-uh-sit
Looks Like
looks like 'defect' (similar letters and the idea of a shortcoming)
Remember This
Deficit is often used in finance and economics to describe money shortages; its opposite is surplus.
Other Forms
Connect With
shortfall, deficiency, shortage, undersupply, gap, debt, budget balance
Note
Don't confuse deficit with 'debit' (money owed) or 'defection' (leaving). In finance, 'deficit' refers to shortfall, not the act of owing money on a loan; context matters (budget deficit, trade deficit, caloric deficit).