shortfall

noun

short·​fall ˈshȯrt-ˌfȯl 

: 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

Pacific Coast Producers estimates a 7-10% shortfall in its peach crop this year, with about 10 days of harvest left. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026

On the company’s earnings call, Celsius Chairman and CEO John Fieldly cited a product rationalization program and deliberate pause in innovation as main reasons for the shortfall. — Robert Frank, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Citing unnamed sources, the Post reported that the shortfall of key weapons contributed to Trump calling off major strikes on Iran and making another push for diplomacy. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

The school district is working to maintain another ‘A’ rating this year despite challenges with enrollment, budget shortfalls and transportation. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shortfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale