a terrible deficit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible deficit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant shortfall or lack in a particular area, such as finances, resources, or skills. Example: "The organization is facing a terrible deficit in funding, which is affecting its ability to operate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But against Mr. Carlsen, who is already being compared to some of the greatest players, it is a terrible deficit.

The New York Times

The Republicans still talk about cutting taxes for the rich, and I just don't understand how -- if we are in a terrible deficit now -- how cutting taxes for wealthy people, which means less revenue coming into the Federal government, helps you with the budget deficit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In order to explore the terrible deficit in the toy shop, I needed to explore the gain, in order to appreciate and portray the anesthetized state he lived in his years in the toy shop.

Huffington Post

Most of them have terrible deficits in language, it's true, and it's an uphill battle to get them to think critically and analytically.

Huffington Post

How did we go from healthy surpluses to terrible deficits?

Los Angeles Times

They knew (and have since said so) cutting taxes would lead to terrible deficits.

Huffington Post

Bush's legacy presented Obama with a terrible, horrible choice: massive deficit spending or economic collapse.

Huffington Post

It is a truly terrible democratic deficit.

The Guardian - Books

They've been going on and on about how the deficit is a terrible thing; now they're confronted with the possibility of a large reduction in the deficit, and have to find a way to say that this is a bad thing.

The New York Times

Ryan makes an aggressive push to claim that the U.S. budget deficit is a terrible, terrible problem that puts the economy in grave danger.

Huffington Post

In essence, what they say is, "Deficits are a terrible thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible deficit", be specific about what is lacking and the negative consequences it causes. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of the deficit if the situation doesn't warrant it. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible deficit" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "terrible" modifies the noun "deficit". This phrase is used to describe a significant and undesirable shortfall or lack, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible deficit" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a substantial and undesirable lack. Ludwig highlights that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts and aims to express concern about a deficiency. Alternatives such as ""a significant shortfall"" or ""a major deficiency"" can be used for similar meanings. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is important to use the phrase judiciously to avoid overstating the impact of the deficit and to ensure clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant shortfall

Focuses on the quantitative aspect of the deficit, highlighting the amount that is lacking.

a major deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of something essential or important.

a severe shortage

Highlights the inadequacy of supply or resources.

a critical inadequacy

Stresses the importance of what is lacking and the severity of the lack.

a disastrous lack

Underscores the extremely negative consequences of the deficiency.

a grave need

Focuses on the urgency and seriousness of the requirement to address the deficit.

a profound absence

Highlights the deep and significant lack of something.

a worrying imbalance

Emphasizes the unsettling disparity or unevenness created by the deficit.

a crippling disadvantage

Focuses on how the deficit severely hinders progress or success.

a detrimental inadequacy

Highlights the harmful effects caused by the insufficient amount or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible deficit" to describe a significant lack or shortfall that has negative consequences. For example, "The company is facing "a terrible deficit" in funding, which is affecting its ability to operate effectively."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant shortfall", "a major deficiency", or "a severe shortage", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a terrible deficit" to describe a lack of something?

While grammatically correct, "a terrible deficit" is best used when the lack or shortfall has significantly negative implications. If the lack is minor or inconsequential, a less dramatic phrase might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a terrible deficit" and "a slight deficit"?

"A terrible deficit" implies a substantial and problematic lack, while "a slight deficit" suggests a minor and potentially manageable shortfall. The choice depends on the magnitude and impact of the deficiency being described.