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deficit

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈdɛfəsɪt/ · UK /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/

Forms: deficits

deficit means: The amount by which spending is greater than money received.

noun

SPENDING GAPB2

The amount by which spending is greater than money received.

  • The government has a large deficit.
  • Higher taxes helped reduce the budget deficit.
  • The club ran a deficit last year.

Similar words: shortfall

Opposites: surplus

Common phrases: budget deficit, run a deficit, reduce the deficit

SHORTAGEC1

A lack of something that is needed, or the amount missing.

  • He has a serious sleep deficit.
  • The drought caused a water deficit.
  • Training can address the deficit in their skills.

How to use it: a deficit in something (The report identified a deficit in basic skills.); a deficit of something (There is a deficit of trained staff.)

Similar words: shortage, lack, shortfall

Opposites: surplus

Common phrases: sleep deficit, deficit in something, water deficit

Questions about deficit

What does deficit mean?

The amount by which spending is greater than money received.

What is deficit in other languages?

Türkçe: bütçe açığı · Español: déficit · Français: déficit · Deutsch: Defizit · Italiano: deficit · 日本語: 赤字

How do you pronounce deficit?

In American English /ˈdɛfəsɪt/; in British English /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/.

How do you use deficit in a sentence?

The government has a large deficit. Higher taxes helped reduce the budget deficit.

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deficit in other languages

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