deficit

[ def-uh-sit; British also dih-fis-it ]
/ ˈdɛf ə sɪt; British also dɪˈfɪs ɪt /

noun

the amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required amount.
the amount by which expenditures or liabilities exceed income or assets.
a lack or shortage; deficiency.
a disadvantage, impairment, or handicap: The team's major deficit is its poor pitching.
a loss, as in the operation of a business.

Origin of deficit

1775–85; < Latin dēficit (it) lacks, 3rd person singular present indicative of dēficere; see deficient

OTHER WORDS FROM deficit

su·per·def·i·cit, noun

Example sentences from the Web for deficit

British Dictionary definitions for deficit

deficit
/ (ˈdɛfɪsɪt, dɪˈfɪsɪt) /

noun

the amount by which an actual sum is lower than that expected or required
  1. an excess of liabilities over assets
  2. an excess of expenditures over revenues during a certain period
  3. an excess of payments over receipts on the balance of payments

Word Origin for deficit

C18: from Latin, literally: there is lacking, from dēficere to be lacking

Medical definitions for deficit

deficit
[ dĕfĭ-sĭt ]

n.

A lack or deficiency of a substance.
A lack or impairment in mental or physical functioning.

Cultural definitions for deficit

deficit

A shortage, especially the amount by which a sum of money falls short of what is required; a debt.