1. A component, nutrient, or factor that is lacking or insufficient in quantity or quality, particularly in nutrition, chemistry, or accounting contexts
The soil analysis revealed that potassium was a deficit element in the crop field.
A análise do solo revelou que o potássio era um elemento deficitário no campo de cultivo.
2. In accounting or finance, a component that contributes to a negative balance or shortfall
Rising operational costs became a deficit element in the quarterly financial report.
Os custos operacionais crescentes tornaram-se um elemento deficitário no relatório financeiro trimestral.