Words / C1

DEF-is-it/ˈdefɪsɪt/

A deficit is the amount by which something falls short of what is needed or expected, especially money: a budget deficit. Native economists contrast deficit with surplus. Shortage is everyday for goods; shortfall is a close synonym. In education you may hear an attention deficit (a specialised medical phrase).

Meaning

The amount by which something, especially money, is smaller than it should be.

Examples

• “The project ran a deficit last year.”
• “The department closed the year with a small deficit.”
• “There is a deficit of trained supervisors in the region.”

Good to know

a deficit (countable). Opposite (money): surplus. Everyday: shortage / shortfall.

Near in meaning

shortfall

New