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

McCashland’s subsequent attempt fell short in the end zone, and Bachmeier led the clinching touchdown drive. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Oct. 2026

Nike also gave a forecast for profit this fiscal year that fell short of analysts’ expectations. — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Supporters made a similar push in the lame duck session at the end of 2024 but ultimately fell short. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

For every movie that Skydance falls short of, the studio must pay $30 million to health and pension funds, split among the guilds. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 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