déficit

deficit

noun deh-fee-SEET Rare

Origin: From Latin 'deficit' (it is lacking), third person singular of 'deficere'.

Also means

shortfall

Usage Note

Déficit is used in economics, politics, and medicine (e.g. un déficit cognitif). Unusually, the final -t is pronounced, reflecting its Latin origin. The opposite is l'excédent (surplus), and the adjective déficitaire describes something running at a loss.

Examples

"Le budget affiche un déficit important."

Natural Translation

The budget shows a significant deficit.

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