Дефицит — meaning in English: Deficiency

Defitsit · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for deficit

молчание

molchaniye

пресс

press

Концепция

Kontseptsiya

администрация

administratsiya

Дефицит

Defitsit

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Russian for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word Дефицит when discussing shortages or lack of something essential, such as food, resources, or even time. For example, in a business meeting, one might refer to 'дефицит кадров' (staff shortage) when addressing workforce challenges.

Synonyms & nuances

Close synonyms include нехватка (nekhatka) and недостаток (nedostatok), both of which also indicate a lack. However, Дефицит often implies a more serious or systemic shortage, such as a shortage of critical supplies, whereas недостаток might refer to a more general insufficiency or shortcoming.

Culture

The word Дефицит has its roots in Latin, stemming from 'deficere', which means 'to fail' or 'to be lacking'. In the context of Russian history, the term gained prominence during the Soviet era, particularly in discussions about resource allocation and shortages that affected daily life, making it a term imbued with historical significance.

FAQ

Q.What does Дефицит mean in English?

Дефицит translates to 'deficiency' or 'shortage' in English, referring to a lack of something essential.

Q.How do you use Дефицит in a sentence?

You can use Дефицит in a sentence like, 'Сейчас в нашем городе есть дефицит продуктов' which means 'There is currently a shortage of products in our city.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using Дефицит?

A common mistake is using Дефицит interchangeably with недостаток. While both imply a lack, remember that Дефицит usually refers to a more significant, often systemic shortage.

Learn russian with Maspeak →

Russian 2000