fall short

phrase

1

: to be deficient

The expedition's supplies began to fall short.

2

: to fail to attain something (such as a goal or target)

The results fell short of expectations.

Examples of fall short in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But the objects we are left with, to take both Kaplan and Naumann as examples, often fall short of what either a painting or sculpture can be—and, without the theater play itself, what of the pertinent conversation? — Kristian Vistrup Madsen, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Disabled concertgoers are still navigating systems that fall short of the law’s intent, even when concert venues and music festivals may be technically ADA compliant. — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Reaching the Sun’s core temperature alone would therefore fall short of what many reactor designs require. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing Likud party fell short of gaining a 61-seat majority needed to control the Knesset as the election results were finalized. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for fall short

• abort
• airport
• alport
• athwart
• carport
• comport
• consort
• deport
• disport
• distort
• escort
• exhort