shortfall
Americannoun
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the quantity or extent by which something falls short; deficiency; shortage.
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the act or fact of falling short.
noun
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failure to meet a goal or a requirement
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the amount of such a failure; deficiency
a shortfall of £30m
Etymology
Origin of shortfall
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The most effective way to make up any shortfall?
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026
The projected shortfall in Social Security and Medicare alone is about $88 trillion over the same period.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
Although her division is far from fully staffed, Ms. Dhillon says she is making up its lawyers’ shortfall with numerous hires from private firms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026
The fund would have average growth of about 8.5% over 75 years, which could cover about 75% of the projected shortfall in Social Security.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026
After twenty-four hours of tireless work, Anthony went to the university trustees and presented $8,000 in pledges to make up the shortfall.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
