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
In addition to reserve funds, the shortfall was closed by eliminating 114 vacant jobs, adjusting contracts among other things.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Some of us pay for that privilege, and others do not, and the mayor has a budget shortfall.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Global fertilizer companies have slashed production over shortfalls of sulphur, required to make many farming inputs; about half of the global supply passed through the strait before the Iran war.
—semafor.com, 29 May 2026
San Jose is facing a $56 million budget shortfall.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
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.
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026
Some of us pay for that privilege, and others do not, and the mayor has a budget shortfall.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Global fertilizer companies have slashed production over shortfalls of sulphur, required to make many farming inputs; about half of the global supply passed through the strait before the Iran war.
—semafor.com, 29 May 2026
San Jose is facing a $56 million budget shortfall.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Cite this Entry
“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortfall. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
