First Known Use: 1782
Dictionary
deficit
noun def·i·cit \ˈde-fə-sət, British also di-ˈfis-ət or ˈdē-fə-sət\
: an amount (such as an amount of money) that is less than the amount that is needed
: the amount by which a person or team is behind in a game or contest
: a problem that causes a decrease in some ability
Full Definition of DEFICIT
1
a (1) : deficiency in amount or quality <a deficit in rainfall> (2) : a lack or impairment in a functional capacity <cognitive deficits> <a hearing deficit> b : disadvantage <scored two runs to overcome a 2–1 deficit>
2
a : an excess of expenditure over revenue b : a loss in business operations
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Origin of DEFICIT
French déficit, from Latin deficit it is wanting, 3d singular present indicative of deficere
Related to DEFICIT
- Synonyms
- crunch, dearth, deficiency, drought (also drouth), failure, famine, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, lack, lacuna, paucity, pinch, poverty, scantiness, scarceness, scarcity, shortage, undersupply, want
Other Economics Terms
DEFICIT Defined for Kids
deficit
noun def·i·cit \ˈde-fə-sət\
Definition of DEFICIT for Kids
: a shortage especially in money
Medical Dictionary
deficit
noun de·fi·cit \ˈdef-(ə-)sət; British also di-ˈfis-ət, ˈdē-fə-sət\
Medical Definition of DEFICIT
: a deficiency of a substance <a potassium deficit>; also : a lack or impairment of a functional capacity <cognitive deficits>
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