What's the difference between deficit and debt?

How do I use deficit in a sentence?

Is deficit common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

deficit

/ˈdɪf.ɪ.sɪt/

IELTSAcademic

noun

The amount by which expenses or costs are higher than income or budget; a shortfall.

The country reported a large deficit last year.
Healthcare faces a budget deficit.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: deficit stresses a shortfall in money, time, or resources, while lack is general and shortage often means not enough of an item. Use deficit for budgets or trade; choose lack for abstract absence and shortage for measurable gaps.

In other languages

Spanish: déficit
Japanese: 赤字
Korean: 적자
Vietnamese: thâm hụt
Chinese: 赤字

Etymology

Common phrases

trade deficitbudget deficitdeficit spendingin deficit

Synonyms

shortfall gap shortage

Related words

debt lack shortage deficiency

Frequently asked questions

Is deficit formal or informal?: Is deficit formal or informal?
What's the difference between deficit and debt?: What's the difference between deficit and debt?
How do I use deficit in a sentence?: How do I use deficit in a sentence?
Is deficit common in academic writing?: Is deficit common in academic writing?