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 polarizing as Grenell was, some veterans say his criticisms reflected fears of structural deficits and financial hurdles that are not altogether uncommon for performing arts organizations.
—
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 May 2026
The structural deficit — an ongoing gap between income and outgo — has existed ever since, totaling $125 billion, according to Petek.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 19 May 2026
Coming at a time of war and large fiscal deficits globally, and with inflationary pressures building from scarcity across multiple industrial commodities, rates across the world are rising toward the top end of multi-year ranges.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 May 2026
New York rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the first round and has won seven straight, defeating the Atlanta Hawks in six games and sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers to make the conference finals.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 May 2026
The structural deficit — an ongoing gap between income and outgo — has existed ever since, totaling $125 billion, according to Petek.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 19 May 2026
Coming at a time of war and large fiscal deficits globally, and with inflationary pressures building from scarcity across multiple industrial commodities, rates across the world are rising toward the top end of multi-year ranges.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 May 2026
New York rallied from a 2-1 deficit in the first round and has won seven straight, defeating the Atlanta Hawks in six games and sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers to make the conference finals.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
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American officials also said Beijing would address rare earth shortages, although this was not mentioned in the corresponding statement from China.—
Leonie Kidd,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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There is no shortage of choices, from fast-growing bushes for a privacy hedge, evergreen shrubs that provide year-round color in your yard, or flowering shrubs with gorgeous blooms in the spring or summer.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
17 May 2026
Noun
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The guard admitted he was surprised by the lack of questions about his medical status but voiced confidence that the issue would not continue into his NBA career.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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The defense has detailed the lack of physical evidence — no DNA or blood was found on Murdaugh or any of his clothes, even though the killings were at close range with powerful weapons that were never found.—
Jeffrey Collins,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
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For most people eating a typical diet, sodium deficiency is very rare.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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This season, however, due to a number of factors including changing personnel, injuries, underperformance from key players and tactical deficiencies, Liverpool have become a soft touch and easy to play against.—
Colin Millar,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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