Spanish Conversation · Level 69
60 words
Spanish word
déficit
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈdefiθit/
Meaning
- masculine nounshortage
Example
El hospital tiene un déficit de personal.
The hospital has a shortage of staff.
More examples
La empresa enfrenta un déficit presupuestario este año.
The company is facing a budget shortfall this year.
Core concept
A gap between needed and available resources.
Common phrases
déficit de personal
staff shortage
déficit presupuestario
budget shortfall
déficit de atención
attention deficit
Similar words
falta: Simple, common lack of a thing or person needed in a situation.
escasez: Severe scarcity where available quantities are very small and hard to find.
carencia: Lack of an essential element or condition needed for something to work properly.
insuficiencia: Insufficient quantity or capability to meet stipulated needs or standards.
Definition in Spanish
Cantidad insuficiente de algo necesario o esperado.
Word origin
Borrowed from French déficit and ultimately from Latin deficere 'to be lacking', which gives the sense of an insufficient amount.
Usage tips
- Used frequently in formal or technical contexts and normally appears as 'déficit de + noun', while everyday speakers often prefer 'falta de' instead.