def·i·cit 
/ˈdɛfəsət/ noun
plural def·i·cits /ˈdɛfəsət/ noun [count] 1 : an amount (such as an amount of money) that is less than the amount that is needed
▪ The government is facing a deficit of $3 billion. ▪ We will reduce the federal budget deficit. ▪ Some economists advocate deficit spending [=spending borrowed money] to boost a slumping economy. — opposite surplus; see also trade deficit 2 : the amount by which a person or team is behind in a game or contest
▪ The team overcame a four-point deficit to win the game. 3 chiefly US : a problem that causes a decrease in some ability
▪ She has a slight hearing deficit in her left ear. — see also attention deficit disorder
▪ The government is facing a deficit of $3 billion. ▪ We will reduce the federal budget deficit. ▪ Some economists advocate deficit spending [=spending borrowed money] to boost a slumping economy. — opposite surplus; see also trade deficit
▪ The team overcame a four-point deficit to win the game.
▪ She has a slight hearing deficit in her left ear. — see also attention deficit disorder
