is in deficit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is in deficit' is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a situation where there is not enough of something or a shortage of something. For example: "The company is in deficit; it is struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The NHS is in deficit after four years in overall financial balance, it emerged.

The Guardian

Including provinces and municipalities, the public sector is in deficit even before counting interest payments.

The Economist

But now emerging markets are (in aggregate) in surplus and the developed world is in deficit.

The Economist

One measure passed: to limit lawmakers' pay when the budget is in deficit.

The Economist

The budget is in deficit, the current account is near zero, and the peso is overvalued.

The Economist

Go to tinyurl.com/nhsbill2016 Jeanne Warren Garsington, Oxfordshire Once again we are reading that the NHS is in "deficit".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The budget was in deficit.

The New York Times

Eighty percent of all trusts are in deficit.

The Guardian

The state budget has been in deficit year after year.

The Economist

Dorrell says being in deficit is not the same as being in adminstration.

The Guardian

The company tax cut in 1993 came when the budget was in deficit, Cormann said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is in deficit", specify the context clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, clarify whether you're referring to a budget, a skill, or a resource.

Common error

Avoid using "is in deficit" when you actually mean "has a debt". A deficit is an annual shortfall, while debt is the cumulative total of past deficits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in deficit" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of shortage or deficiency. Ludwig AI shows, through the examples, it commonly describes financial situations, such as a budget "is in deficit", but it extends to other domains as well.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in deficit" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of lacking or deficiency, particularly in financial contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business settings, indicating its widespread applicability. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity and to differentiate between a deficit and debt. Alternatives like "is running a deficit" or "is underfunded" can provide nuanced ways of expressing similar concepts, while avoiding common errors like confusing deficit with debt ensures precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is facing a deficit

Similar to "is in deficit" but emphasizes the act of confronting or dealing with the deficit.

is underfunded

Highlights a lack of sufficient financial support, common in discussions about organizations or projects.

is running a deficit

Highlights the active process of accumulating a deficit, often used in financial contexts.

is lacking in resources

Specifically refers to a shortage of available resources, be they financial, material, or human.

is experiencing a shortfall

Focuses on the act of experiencing a lack, specifying an active situation of not meeting the necessary amount.

is operating at a loss

Emphasizes the financial outcome of losing money or resources.

is in arrears

Indicates a state of being behind in payments or obligations, implying a deficit in fulfillment.

is below par

Implies performance or standards are lower than expected, indicating a deficient state.

is strapped for cash

Informal expression indicating a severe shortage of money.

is wanting

A more literary way of saying something lacks or is deficient, often used for abstract qualities.

FAQs

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

You can use "is in deficit" to describe a state where something is lacking or insufficient. For example, "The budget is in deficit due to increased spending".

What's the difference between "is in deficit" and "is in debt"?

"Is in deficit" refers to a shortfall in a specific period, while "is in debt" refers to the total accumulation of unpaid deficits over time.

What can I say instead of "is in deficit"?

You can use alternatives like "is running a deficit", "is underfunded", or "is experiencing a shortfall" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the country is in deficit"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying "the country is in deficit" typically implies that the country's budget or current account has a shortfall.