deficit

Definition

Deficiency in amount or quality; a falling short; lack.

Etymology

From French déficit, from Latin dēficit.

Example Sentences

• "The crop output this year has been comparatively small, owing to the deficit in rainfall."
• "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."
• "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.]"

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