short of

preposition

: other than
especially : of a lesser degree than
had few options short of replacing the motor

Examples of short of in a Sentence

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.
In February, the NTSB said the ALERT Act fell short of addressing its 50 recommendations after the crash, including equipping all aircraft with the technology to receive more precise information about the locations of other aircraft. Olivia Rinaldi, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026 The players themselves try their best to drown out the noise about what might happen if the Magic come up short of advancing in the postseason a third year in a row. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 Aldermen voted 30-19, short of the 34 needed to beat Johnson’s veto and keep current wages in place going forward. Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 The above is reported as a time-frame reference — nine months short of a century ago. Eric Duvall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short of

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short of was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Short of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20of. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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