shortfall

noun

short·​fall ˈshȯrt-ˌfȯl How to pronounce shortfall (audio)
Synonyms of shortfallnext
: a failure to come up to expectation or need
a budget shortfall
also : the amount of such failure
a $2 million shortfall

Examples of shortfall in a Sentence

a shortfall in milk production
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Before the war, the strait typically handled about 20 million barrels of crude oil and fuel products, although the shortfall has also been reduced as Gulf countries reroute supplies via pipelines that bypass the waterway. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 12 June 2026 Kane County has been facing a looming budget shortfall in its general fund in recent years, which its board has been solving since 2023 by dipping into the county’s cash reserves. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 While advocates of the tax emphasize that billionaires' fortunes are growing much faster than the income of ordinary Americans, opponents argue the state could face a revenue shortfall if California's wealthiest residents leave for other states. Tim Fang, CBS News, 11 June 2026 Democrats largely preferred to close the shortfall with tax increases, and Republicans preferred to close it through benefit reductions. Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortfall

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortfall was in 1895

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Cite this Entry

“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortfall. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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