Deficit Meaning
/ˈdɛfɪsɪt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounDeficiency in amount or quality; a falling short; lack.
nounA situation wherein, or amount whereby, spending exceeds (e.g. government) revenue.
Sentence Examples
A huge federal budget deficit has been plaguing the American economy for many years.
The company is in deficit.
How huge a deficit can the nation stand?
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's budget ____ forced it to cut employee bonuses.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A huge federal budget ____ has been plaguing the American economy for many years.
Word Origin & History
From French déficit, from Latin dēficit. Related to defect.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Dr. Beeching's obvious intent is that if Scottish—and similarly unprofitable English and Welsh—railways are to be maintained, it must be done by an unconcealed subsidy; he is determined that the railways shall no longer be preoccupied with—and derided for—immense deficits which include the burden of social services the State must openly underwrite, if it wants them."
— 1962 October, “Talking of Trains: Passed to you, Mr. Macmillan”, in Modern Railways, page 220:
"But Wall Street, which has a case of deficit-attention disorder, is no longer focused on a balanced budget. "The bond market only worries about one thing at [a time.]"
— 1996 August 4, “It's Time for a Reality Check on the Deficit”, in Contra Costa Times, Contra Costa, CA:
"Economically, too, London is startlingly different. The capital, unlike the country as a whole, has no budget deficit: London’s public spending matches the taxes paid in the city. The average Londoner contributes 70 percent more to Britain’s national income than people in the rest of the country."
— 2013 September 28, Kenan Malik, “London Is Special, but Not That Special”, in New York Times, retrieved 28 Sep 2013:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's budget ____ forced it to cut employee bonuses.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A huge federal budget ____ has been plaguing the American economy for many years.