Deficit

Vocabulary Spotlight

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The amount by which something, especially money, is too small; a shortfall.

“The government is trying to reduce the budget deficit to stabilize the economy.”

[def-uh-sit]

Shortfall
Debt
Loss
Deficiency
Lack

Surplus
Excess
Abundance
Profit
Gain

Deficient (adjective)
Deficiency (noun)

“Deficit” originates from Latin “deficere,” meaning to fail or lack. It entered English in the 18th century as a term indicating financial shortfall.

Adjective: Deficient – Lacking in some necessary quality.

Noun: Deficiency – The state of being deficient or lacking.

Think of “deficit” as “defi-cit” — a “definite cut” in resources or finances.

In finance, a deficit refers to when expenses exceed revenue, often leading to debt.

Economists analyze trade deficits, which occur when a country’s imports exceed exports.

In healthcare, a nutritional deficit indicates a lack of essential nutrients in a diet.

Deficits, whether in finances, resources, or trade, signify a shortage that often requires corrective action to maintain balance or sustainability.

An excess of profits

A shortfall where expenses exceed revenue

A balanced budget

A record of financial gains

“A shortfall where expenses exceed revenue” is correct, as deficit in finance refers to a negative balance.

deficit

surplus

excess

profit

“Deficit” is correct, as it indicates a shortage in the budget.

A business experiencing record profits

A family saving for a vacation

A student receiving a scholarship

A government struggling with a budget shortfall

“A government struggling with a budget shortfall” is correct, as deficit typically indicates financial shortfall.