greater deficit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater deficit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an increase in the amount by which expenses exceed revenues or resources, often in financial or economic contexts. Example: "The country is facing a greater deficit this year compared to last year, which raises concerns about its fiscal health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The I.M.F. is almost certain to demand even greater deficit cuts.

The New York Times

Only once in Ashes history has a side come back from a greater deficit, when England trailed by 261 in Melbourne 118 years ago.

Independent

But Germany and France have opposed calls for further large stimulus packages and even greater deficit spending, while the European Central Bank has kept interest rates higher than they are in the United States and Britain.

The New York Times

Dr Mark Porter, who chairs the British Medical Association, said: "It is clear that the government is managing the NHS into greater deficit by cutting resources while expecting service improvements at a time of rising demand".

The Guardian

They have played so atrociously while the Seattle Mariners, Rodriguez's former team, have played so amazingly that Texas also has a greater deficit at this point in the season than all but one team in major league history.

The New York Times - Sports

A group of at least 57 prominent business executives and former government officials have signed a petition in support of a greater deficit reduction, which they are to release at a news conference on Monday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Consider the simplistic headline-grabbing debate between growth (greater deficits) and austerity (smaller deficits).

The New York Times

The pressure for another stimulus (and greater deficits) would be intense.

The New York Times - Magazine

House leaders said that the deficit was less important than lowering taxes, but Senate Democrats said the House was relying on the Senate's aversion to greater deficits as an indirect means of killing the tax credits.

The New York Times

Physical functioning domains of HRQOL demonstrate greater deficits as gross motor impairment of CP increases.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

FES patients exhibited lower performance for both conditions than controls, with greater deficits in regard to emotional versus neutral associations.

Schizophrenia Research: Cognition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial situations, use "greater deficit" to emphasize that the shortfall is more significant compared to a previous period or expected amount. This can effectively highlight the severity of the financial challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "greater deficit" when you actually mean a surplus or an improvement in financial standing. A deficit indicates a shortfall, whereas a surplus indicates an excess. Ensure you're accurately reflecting the financial situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater deficit" functions as a noun phrase where "greater" modifies the noun "deficit". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to specify and quantify the extent of a shortfall or deficiency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater deficit" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an increased shortfall, typically in financial or resource contexts. According to Ludwig, it’s correct and usable in written English, highlighting a significant difference compared to a previous state. It’s frequently found in news articles and scientific publications, maintaining a neutral tone. While alternatives such as "increased shortfall" or "larger deficit" exist, "greater deficit" effectively emphasizes the magnitude of the problem. Ensure accurate usage by avoiding confusion with terms like "greater surplus" and focusing on the worsening aspect of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased shortfall

Focuses on the amount that is insufficient, similar to a deficit but emphasizing the lack of something.

larger deficit

A direct synonym, simply emphasizing the size of the deficit.

growing shortfall

Emphasizes the increasing nature of the deficit.

mounting deficit

Suggests the deficit is accumulating and becoming a larger problem.

expanding deficit

Similar to 'growing shortfall', focusing on the expanding nature of the deficit.

worsening deficit

Highlights the deteriorating condition of the deficit, implying it is getting worse.

higher deficit

A straightforward alternative emphasizing a larger quantity.

substantial shortfall

Highlights the significance of the deficit.

significant deficit

Similar to 'substantial shortfall', emphasizing the importance or impact of the deficit.

major shortfall

Emphasizes the seriousness and scale of the deficit.

FAQs

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

You can use "greater deficit" to describe a situation where the amount by which expenses exceed income has increased. For example, "The government is facing a "greater deficit" this year due to increased spending and lower tax revenues".

What's the difference between "greater deficit" and "larger deficit"?

While "greater deficit" and "larger deficit" are often used interchangeably, "greater" can imply a more significant or impactful difference, whereas "larger" simply refers to size. Both are suitable, but "greater" might add a subtle emphasis on the implications of the size.

Are there formal alternatives to "greater deficit"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "increased shortfall", "substantial deficit", or "significant deficit" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "greater deficit"?

It's appropriate to use "greater deficit" when you want to highlight that a shortfall or deficiency is not just present, but has also increased in magnitude compared to a previous state or expectation. This is common in discussions about budgets, trade, and resource management.