/
ˈdɛfɪsɪt,
ˈdiː-/
n.
- the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, falls short.
▸an excess of expenditure or liabilities over income or assets in a given period.
- technical a deficiency or failing, especially in a neurological or psychological function.
Etymology
C18: via Fr. from L. deficit ‘it is lacking’, from deficere (see defect1).