What is meant by deficit spending?

Deficit spending refers to a situation where a government, organization, or individual spends more money than they earn or receive in revenue during a specific period, leading to a financial shortfall or debt. This approach is often used by governments to stimulate economic growth during times of recession or economic downturns, where the aim is to boost demand through increased public spending, even if that spending exceeds current income.

This practice can help fund essential services, infrastructure projects, or other investments that may provide long-term economic benefits, despite the immediate implication of running a deficit. By spending more than they earn, governments may forgo the traditional principles of balanced budgets or fiscal conservatism in order to achieve broader economic objectives.