chronic deficit tendency; disposition to operate in the red
Used for businesses, organizations, or projects that habitually run at a loss. Often implies a structural or ingrained problem rather than a temporary shortfall.
That company can't seem to break free from its chronic deficit tendency.
Fundamental reform is needed to fix the chronic deficit structure.
赤字 means a deficit or being in the red for a specific period, while 赤字体質 refers to a persistent tendency or structural disposition to run deficits.
The opposite concept: a structural tendency to operate profitably.
Compound of 赤字 (deficit, literally 'red figures') and 体質 (constitution, disposition). The term metaphorically extends the accounting concept of red ink to describe an ingrained organizational tendency.