as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
a growing deficit in the number of hours devoted to sleep
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Recent Examples of deficit
As Texas faces a critical shortage of nurses, Texas Woman’s University is preparing to address the deficit with its new Health Sciences Center, which is expected to lead to a 30% increase in health care graduates from the university over the next decade.
—
Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026
Conditions are most concerning across parts of southern and southwestern Colorado, where snowpack deficits are greatest.
—Joe Ruch, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
But the school’s deficit overshadowed the proposal, Alvarez said.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
After the Heat cut that nine-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the third quarter, the tanking Jazz then sat three starters the rest of the way in an effort to lose the game.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 2026
Conditions are most concerning across parts of southern and southwestern Colorado, where snowpack deficits are greatest.
—Joe Ruch, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
But the school’s deficit overshadowed the proposal, Alvarez said.
—Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
After the Heat cut that nine-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the third quarter, the tanking Jazz then sat three starters the rest of the way in an effort to lose the game.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
-
Joining Air New Zealand just as the COVID-19 pandemic loomed, Foran tackled a series of crises, from persistent shortages of engine components to the grounding of up to 11 aircraft.—
Alexander Coolidge,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Feb. 2026
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Several others were wounded and taken for treatment in Rahad, which faces severe medical supplies shortages like many areas in the Kordofan region, the statement said.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There should be empathy for his injury, but no sympathy for his lack of production.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
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Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fortification began in the United States in the early 20th century, when scientists linked nutrient deficiencies to widespread health problems, explains Young.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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According to an article published in Psychiatric Research Neuroimaging, a deficiency in vitamin D can have an impact on the overall volume of grey matter.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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