deficit
/ˈdɛ.fi.t͡ʃit/masculine
The English word 'deficit' can be translated into Italian as deficit or disavanzo.
Meaning: situation wherein spending exceeds government revenue (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| deficit | /ˈdɛ.fi.t͡ʃit/ | masculine |
| disavanzo | /di.zaˈvan.t͡so/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to a situation where spending exceeds revenue. While deficit is the most straightforward way to express this concept in many contexts, such as a water deficit, it is also used in financial terms.
Which one should you use?
deficit is a versatile term used in many different contexts. In contrast, disavanzo is a more formal and technical term specifically used in Italian public finance and accounting to describe a budget deficit.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both deficit and disavanzo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word deficit has three syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈdɛ.fi.tʃit/.
Did you know?
- In Italian medical contexts, deficit is frequently used to describe a neurological loss of function, such as a deficit motorio (motor deficit), which is more specific than a general deficiency.
- The word disavanzo is built from the root avanzo, meaning 'leftover' or 'remainder', with the prefix dis- indicating a lack or reversal.
- The Italian word deficit is an unadapted borrowing from English.
Examples in context
- La Palestina ha un deficit idrico.Palestine has a water deficit.This sentence shows how to use deficit to describe a shortage of water.Tatoeba #13390366 by Guybrush88, translation #12106677 by Amastan
- Il bilancio aziendale ha registrato un deficit considerevole quest'anno.The company's budget recorded a significant deficit this year.
- La differenza negativa tra entrate ed uscite ha generato un deficit nel bilancio dello Stato.The negative difference between revenues and expenses has resulted in a deficit in the State budget.
- La società ha registrato un passivo importante a causa delle spese impreviste.The company recorded a significant negative balance due to unforeseen expenses.
- La mia carta di credito è sempre in rosso a fine mese!My credit card is always in the red at the end of the month!
- Questa settimana ho chiuso il mio bilancio personale in negativo a causa di una spesa extra.This week, my personal balance ended up in the negative due to an extra expense.
- Il governo deve ridurre il deficit.The government must reduce the deficit.
- Il deficit pubblico è troppo alto questo anno.The public deficit is too high this year.
Example conversation
Francesco and Giulia are discussing the national news.
- FrancescoHai letto le ultime notizie sul deficit?Did you read the latest news about the deficit?
- GiuliaSì, Francesco, la situazione è preoccupante.Yes, Francesco, the situation is worrying.
- FrancescoCredi che riusciranno a risanarlo quest'anno?Do you think they will manage to fix it this year?
- GiuliaSpero di sì, ma sarà molto difficile.I hope so, but it will be very difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deficit” translations and entries deficit, disavanzo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deficit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
