What characterizes a budget deficit?

A budget deficit is characterized by situations where the expenditures surpass the revenues. This means that the total amount spent by an individual or entity exceeds the total income generated within a specific period. When a budget deficit occurs, it indicates that financial management needs to be adjusted to either reduce spending, increase income, or a combination of both to reach a balanced budget.

Understanding this concept is crucial for financial planning, as consistent budget deficits can lead to increased debt and financial instability. The other options represent either a balanced budget (where revenues equal expenditures) or a surplus (where revenues exceed expenditures), which do not align with the definition of a deficit. Therefore, recognizing that a budget deficit signifies a shortfall and understanding its implications are vital in the context of budget management.