a big deficit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big deficit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a significant shortfall in finances, resources, or other measurable quantities. Example: "The company is facing a big deficit this quarter due to unexpected expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A healthy current-account surplus in the mid-1990s had turned into a big deficit a decade later, a sign that Ireland had become too pricey.One contributory factor was a big rise in public-sector wages after a 2002 review.

The Economist

It cannot afford to run a big deficit.

The Economist

A big deficit is not about mere book-keeping.

The Economist

We will have a big deficit in government finances.

The New Yorker

It has a big deficit in manufactures (see chart).The reasons are not hard to spot.

The Economist

The Dolphins, in contrast, ran only 11 times despite never facing a big deficit.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet Ryan claims a big deficit reduction, via two big "magic asterisks".

The New York Times

Japan has a big deficit, a large debt and the oldest population in the OECD.

The Economist

We can't concede a big deficit or else it's a big uphill battle for us.

The Guardian - Sport

Given the depth of the crisis, running a big deficit makes perfect sense.

The New York Times

It soon became clear that Federal Mogul would not fund a big deficit in T&N's pension fund.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial states, use "a big deficit" to clearly communicate a substantial shortfall. Be specific with numbers when possible for clarity.

Common error

Don't use "a big deficit" when you actually mean debt. A deficit is an annual shortfall, while debt is the accumulation of deficits over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big deficit" functions as a noun phrase, where "big" is an adjective modifying the noun "deficit". As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly identifies and describes a significant financial shortfall. It is typically used to quantify or emphasize the size of the deficit being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big deficit" is a grammatically sound and very common way to describe a significant financial shortfall. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media category. It's essential to use it accurately, distinguishing it from related terms like debt and understanding its implications. When writing, consider adding specific numbers and avoid confusing deficit with debt. Also, think about alternatives like a substantial shortfall or a significant deficiency to achieve different nuances in meaning. Understanding such usage ensures clarity and precision in financial and economic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial shortfall

Replaces "deficit" with "shortfall", indicating a lack of something, typically money, without necessarily implying debt.

a significant deficiency

Emphasizes the inadequacy or lack of something important, highlighting the negative impact of the deficit.

a major inadequacy

Focuses on the lack of something essential or adequate, suggesting a problem or weakness.

a considerable shortage

Highlights the insufficiency of something needed, often resources or funds.

a large negative balance

Specifies the financial aspect, indicating that expenses exceed income.

a severe imbalance

Points out the lack of equilibrium, indicating that one side is much smaller than the other.

a pronounced inadequacy

Emphasizes that the lack of something is clearly noticeable and problematic.

a sizeable insufficiency

Highlights the fact that the amount available is not enough.

an enormous shortfall

Replaces "big" with "enormous" and "deficit" with "shortfall" to amplify the magnitude of the lack.

a vast deficiency

Uses "vast" and "deficiency" to highlight a great shortage or lack, stressing the severity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a big deficit" in a sentence?

You can use "a big deficit" to describe a situation where expenses exceed income over a specific period. For example, "The country is facing "a big deficit" due to increased spending and reduced tax revenue."

What are some alternatives to saying "a big deficit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a substantial shortfall", "a significant deficiency", or "a large negative balance".

Is it correct to say "a big deficit" or should I use another adjective?

Using "big" is perfectly acceptable and common. You could also use other adjectives like "large", "significant", or "substantial" to add nuance. All of them are interchangeable but can indicate a bigger or smaller "deficit".

What's the difference between "a big deficit" and "a big debt"?

"A big deficit" refers to the yearly difference between income and expenses, while "a big debt" refers to the total accumulation of unpaid deficits over many years. A deficit contributes to the debt.