deficit of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficit of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack or shortage of something, often in a financial, health, or resource context. Example: "The organization is facing a significant deficit of funds, which may impact its ability to operate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The deficit of insight is astounding.

The New York Times

still anticipates a 2015 deficit of $378 billion.

The New York Times

Analysts had forecast a deficit of £6.63bn.

The Guardian - Business

He suffered no deficit of confidence.

The New York Times

It has a deficit of $33.5 billion.

The New York Times

It said that for the Arab world to thrive it needs to overcome its deficit of freedom, its deficit of knowledge and its deficit of women's empowerment.

The New York Times

The report stated that the Arab world is suffering from three huge deficits — a deficit of education, a deficit of freedom and a deficit of women's empowerment.

The New York Times

Mr. Spitzer's original budget had a deficit of $4.4 billion.

The New York Times

He also faces a budget deficit of about $1 billion.

The New York Times

That would leave behind a mysterious deficit of energy.

The New York Times - Science

Our biggest deficit is the deficit of credibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deficit of", ensure you clearly specify what is lacking. For example, instead of saying "there is a deficit", specify "there is a deficit of trust".

Common error

Avoid using "deficit of" when a simple "lack of" is more appropriate. "Deficit" often implies a quantifiable shortage, while "lack" can refer to more abstract qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficit of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun. It signifies a lack or shortage of something, as confirmed by Ludwig and demonstrated in examples like "a deficit of trust" or "a deficit of funds".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deficit of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack or shortage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, scientific, and business contexts to point out deficiencies. While alternatives like "lack of" or "shortage of" exist, "deficit of" often implies a quantifiable shortage. To ensure clarity, always specify what is lacking, and avoid using "deficit of" when a simple "lack of" is more appropriate. Overall, "deficit of" is a versatile and reliable phrase for highlighting inadequacies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortage of

Emphasizes an insufficient amount or supply of something.

lack of

Indicates a complete absence or unavailability of something.

deficiency in

Highlights a specific area where something is missing or inadequate.

insufficiency of

Suggests that something is not enough or not adequate for a particular purpose.

paucity of

Implies a small or scarce quantity of something, often emphasizing its limited availability.

scarcity of

Focuses on the limited availability of a resource or commodity.

inadequate supply of

Specifically refers to the supply not meeting the demand or need.

dearth of

Indicates a severe lack or shortage, often used in a more literary or formal context.

absence of

Highlights the non-existence of something.

want of

Expresses a lack or need for something, often used in a more traditional or formal style.

FAQs

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

The phrase "deficit of" is used to describe a situation where there is a shortage or lack of something. For example, "The company is facing a deficit of funds" or "There is a deficit of qualified candidates for the job."

What can I say instead of "deficit of"?

You can use alternatives such as "shortage of", "lack of", or "deficiency in depending" on the context.

Is it better to use "deficit of" or "lack of"?

Both "deficit of" and "lack of" are correct, but "deficit of" often implies a quantifiable shortage, especially in financial or numerical contexts. "Lack of" is more general and can apply to abstract qualities or non-countable things. Choose "deficit of" when the shortage is measurable, and "lack of" otherwise.

What is the difference between "deficit of" and "deficiency of"?

"Deficit of" usually refers to a quantifiable shortage, such as a budget deficit. "Deficiency of" typically refers to a lack in quality, skill or attributes. However, it's more common to say "deficiency in" instead of "deficiency of".