deficit spending

noun

: the spending of public funds raised by borrowing rather than by taxation

Examples of deficit spending in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Missouri’s time relying on deficit spending is coming to a close. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 The deficit spending will be made up by district reserves, which may or may not be exhausted at some point within the next three years. — Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 Perpetual deficit spending would also put upward pressure on demand and inflation. — Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 With oil revenue central to the Russian economy, Russian government budgets have dipped into deficit spending. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deficit spending

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deficit spending was in 1938

Rhymes for deficit spending

See All Rhymes for deficit spending

Browse Nearby Words

deficit financing
deficit spending
de fide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deficit spending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficit%20spending. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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