shortfall

[ shawrt-fawl ]

noun

1. the quantity or extent by which something falls short; deficiency; shortage.
2. the act or fact of falling short.

shortfall

/ ˈʃɔːtˌfɔːl /

noun

1. failure to meet a goal or a requirement
2. the amount of such a failure; deficiency

   a shortfall of £30m

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortfall¹

1890–95; short + fall; from verb phrase fall short

Example Sentences

The city of Fresno initially pledged $3 million for the project but pulled the money back in February, citing a budget shortfall.

From Los Angeles Times

That leaves a shortfall of around £150m if the stadium is to be completed to the current price tag.

From BBC

The Birmingham Yardley MP told BBC Politics Midlands funding shortfalls in nurseries had fallen on parents since her own children went nearly 20 years ago.

From BBC

There have also been fewer international students to make up the financial shortfall.

From BBC

The US government is currently running an annual deficit - a shortfall between its spending and tax revenues - equal to around 6% of its economy.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficiency
• flaw
• lack
• loss
• shortage
• shortcoming