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
That is because Putin is running unsustainable budget deficits to fund his war machine, totaling in the tens of billions.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Editors’ Picks That has raised the possibility that Wall Street and global lenders will start to demand even higher interest rates on the bonds that the Treasury needs to issue to finance the deficit.
—Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
The Portland City Council is looking for ways to address a massive budget shortfall, but one of the drivers of the deficit — declining property taxes — is an ongoing issue with no easy fix, some experts say.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
When Alexis Lafrenière opened the scoring, creating the first of four deficits the Canadiens systematically erased, the Canadiens only had four players on the ice.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deficit 
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025
Editors’ Picks That has raised the possibility that Wall Street and global lenders will start to demand even higher interest rates on the bonds that the Treasury needs to issue to finance the deficit.
—Andrew Duehren, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
The Portland City Council is looking for ways to address a massive budget shortfall, but one of the drivers of the deficit — declining property taxes — is an ongoing issue with no easy fix, some experts say.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025
When Alexis Lafrenière opened the scoring, creating the first of four deficits the Canadiens systematically erased, the Canadiens only had four players on the ice.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for deficit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deficit
Noun
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Meanwhile, data shows that there is also a shortage of fully qualified air traffic control staff.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
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The Trump Administration has offered a separation package to federal workers, including air traffic controllers, which could cause further staffing shortages.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But he will occasionally get beat by good shooters and his lack of size has been exposed at times by pros.—
Scott Wheeler,
The Athletic,
25 Jan. 2025
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After an underwhelming opening, the Disney release has shown good staying power, taking advantage of January’s lack of competition.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
25 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sanger says that iron supplements are often prescribed to those diagnosed with iron deficiency, consume little to no animal products, struggle with heavy menstrual cycles, had surgery, or been injured.—
Audrey Noble,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2025
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Relying solely on watermelon, which is low in fat, protein, and several other essential nutrients, may lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and fatigue, to name a few.—
Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD,
Verywell Health,
29 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to deficit
Thesaurus Entries Near deficit
Cite this Entry
“Deficit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deficit. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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