deficit spending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deficit spending" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing government budgets, economic policies, or financial strategies that involve spending more than the revenue generated. An example: "The government's approach to deficit spending has sparked a heated debate among economists." Alternative expressions include "budget deficit" and "excessive spending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Environmental injury is deficit spending.

The Guardian

Most governors are hemmed in by state requirements that the budget be balanced without deficit spending.

The New York Times

Now, of course, liberals have always believed in Keynesian countercyclical deficit spending.

The New York Times

State and local governments are in severe fiscal trouble, and their constitutions often prevent deficit spending.

The New York Times

Business, technology and wealth news: Bush Says War On Terror Justifies Deficit Spending.

Forbes

Only deficit spending is expansionary.

The New York Times

2. Deficit spending is always expansionary.

The New York Times

"The problem is deficit spending".

The New York Times

We can't have deficit spending in Texas.

The New York Times - Magazine

The issue of deficit spending and GDP growth is different.

The New Yorker

I'm sure demographics are reinforcing Germany's predisposition against deficit spending.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economic policy, use "deficit spending" to specifically refer to government spending that exceeds revenue, distinguishing it from general overspending or debt accumulation.

Common error

Don't use "deficit spending" interchangeably with "national debt". Deficit spending is the act of exceeding revenue in a given period, while national debt is the cumulative result of years of deficits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deficit spending" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in sentences concerning economic policy. It describes the act of a government spending more money than it receives in revenue. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples in the news and financial contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Deficit spending is a frequently used term referring to government expenditure exceeding revenue, primarily functioning as a noun phrase in economic and political discourse. Ludwig AI highlights its common occurrence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to distinguish it from related concepts like national debt. Understanding its implications and using it precisely will enhance clarity in discussions of economic policy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

budget deficit

Focuses on the resulting state of the budget rather than the act of spending.

government overspending

Emphasizes the act of spending beyond the government's means.

excessive public expenditure

More formal and emphasizes the scale of spending.

expansionary fiscal policy

Describes the policy approach that often leads to deficit spending.

national debt increase

Highlights the consequence of continuous deficit spending.

running a deficit

Focuses on the government's action of operating with a shortfall.

fiscal imbalance

A more general term indicating a discrepancy between income and expenses.

borrowing to spend

Highlights the act of taking on debt to finance spending.

revenue shortfall

Emphasizes the lack of sufficient income to cover expenses.

government debt accumulation

Focuses on the increasing debt load resulting from deficit spending.

FAQs

What is meant by "deficit spending"?

"Deficit spending" refers to a situation where a government spends more money than it receives in revenue during a specific period, typically a fiscal year. This results in a budget deficit that must be financed through borrowing.

What are some alternative terms for "deficit spending"?

You can use terms like "budget deficit", "government overspending", or "excessive public expenditure" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "deficit spending" differ from "national debt"?

"Deficit spending" is an annual occurrence where expenses exceed income, creating a deficit. The "national debt", on the other hand, is the accumulation of all past deficits (minus any surpluses) over time. Deficit spending contributes to the national debt.

Is "deficit spending" always bad for an economy?

The impact of "deficit spending" is debated among economists. Some argue it can stimulate economic growth during recessions, while others believe it leads to increased debt and potential economic instability. The effects often depend on how the borrowed funds are used and the overall economic climate.