How to pronounce deficit
Say it like DEF-uh-sut. Deficit has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF).
- DEF
- uh
- sut
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deficit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- sutKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deficit
American and British speakers say deficit in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛfəsət/ in the US and /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEF-ih-sit.
What does deficit mean?
- Deficiency in amount or quality; a falling short; lack.“The crop output this year has been comparatively small, owing to the deficit in rainfall.”
- A situation wherein, or amount whereby, spending exceeds (e.g. government) revenue.
Where does deficit come from?
From French déficit, from Latin dēficit.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying deficit
How do you pronounce deficit?
Say DEF-uh-sut. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛfəsət/. In British English it is /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deficit?
Deficit has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEF). Broken into parts: DEF · uh · sut.
Do Americans and Brits say deficit the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛfəsət/ and the British form is /ˈdɛfɪsɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.