deficit
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
deficits
plural
deficits
Britannica Dictionary definition of DEFICIT
[count]
1
:
an amount (such as an amount of money) that is less than the amount that is needed
—
opposite surplus;
see also trade deficit
-
The government is facing a deficit of $3 billion.
-
We will reduce the federal budget deficit.
-
Some economists advocate deficit spending [=spending borrowed money] to boost a slumping economy.
2
:
the amount by which a person or team is behind in a game or contest
-
The team overcame a four-point deficit to win the game.
3
chiefly US
:
a problem that causes a decrease in some ability
—
see also attention deficit disorder
-
She has a slight hearing deficit in her left ear.
