Deficit is a term used in finance, economics, and politics to describe a shortfall, inadequacy, or shortage. Synonyms for the word deficit are: shortfall, deficiency, shortage, insufficiency, inadequacy, lack, dearth, absence, need, and scarcity. In financial terms, deficit means the amount by which expenditures exceed revenues, and synonyms for this meaning are: negative balance, loss, debt, and arrears. Deficit can also refer to a condition of an individual or organization, such as a deficit in skills, knowledge, or experience. Other synonyms for this sense are: weakness, flaw, limitation, and handicap. In summary, there are various synonyms for the word deficit, depending on the context and meaning.