I. ˈdefəsə̇t, rapid -fsə̇t, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: French déficit, from Latin deficit it is lacking, 3d person singular present indicative of deficere to be lacking — more at deficient
1. : deficiency in amount or quality
a deficit in yearly rainfall
: impairment of capital : a falling short especially of income
a deficit in revenue
— opposed to surplus
2.
a. : an excess of debit over credit items
a deficit in a nation's balance of international payments
b. : a loss in business operations
the year's operating deficit
II. noun
: a lack or impairment in a functional capacity
cognitive deficits
a hearing deficit