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.
If the massive deficit spending continues, there will only be money for interest payments and nothing else! Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Instead, the tax package is poised to continue a pattern of deficit spending under both Republicans and Democrats that has pushed the national debt upward of $37 trillion. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 May 2025 The overall increase in deficit spending is estimated to be around 1.5% of GDP, Evans-Pritchard said. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025 Slash deficit spending or spike the nation’s now $36 trillion debt load? Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Deficit spending.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deficit%20spending. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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