What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when expenses exceed revenues over a specific period. This means that the amount of money spent is greater than the amount of money earned or received, leading to a shortfall that must be addressed either through additional borrowing or by cutting expenses. This situation is significant for both governments and businesses, as it indicates financial strain and the potential need for corrective actions to restore balance and ensure sustainable financial practices.

In contrast, the other options describe different financial scenarios: having excessive cash reserves typically indicates a surplus, not a deficit; matching revenues with expenses signifies a balanced budget; and recording a profit means that revenues exceed expenses, which is the opposite of a budget deficit. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for managing finances effectively.