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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deficit
Jefferson showed promise in wins over New Hampshire and Sam Houston, but his ability to lead UCF back from a 21-point deficit against TCU eased concerns.
—
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Treasurys initially sold off this week on concerns that Trump’s budget bill would worsen the U.S. deficit.
—Lisa Kailai Han,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 23 May 2025
That deficit was nothing for the Pacers, though, who immediately stormed back yet again.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The financial picture tells the whole story: an almost $6 billion deficit where once stood a surplus, burdened further by $10 billion in new taxes.
—Kendall Qualls, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
Treasurys initially sold off this week on concerns that Trump’s budget bill would worsen the U.S. deficit.
—Lisa Kailai Han,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 23 May 2025
That deficit was nothing for the Pacers, though, who immediately stormed back yet again.
—Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 22 May 2025
The financial picture tells the whole story: an almost $6 billion deficit where once stood a surplus, burdened further by $10 billion in new taxes.
—Kendall Qualls, Twin Cities, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
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At least five controllers took 45 days of trauma leave after the incident, leading to a staffing shortage that canceled and delayed more than a thousand flights.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
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In their open letter this spring, former weather service directors warned that severe staffing shortages at local weather service offices could lead to less accurate and detailed forecasts this summer.—
Rebecca Hersher,
NPR,
19 May 2025
Noun
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After two days exploring Barcelona, Spain, Napton was surprised at the lack of political discourse.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
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Morehouse graduates applaud the honor Part of the tragedy of Hubert’s lynching was a lack of awareness surrounding his story among Morehouse graduates until only recently, several alumni said.—
Dalia Faheid,
CNN Money,
25 May 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, the expedition’s failure likely came down to a combination of factors, including dietary deficiencies, hubris and simple bad luck.—
Meilan Solly,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
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The absence of the 10 men, who also utilized facility deficiencies that officials have long complained about in their escape, went unnoticed for hours.—
Jack Brook,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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