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
While much of the music by the artists he’s influenced is widely accessible, Screw’s own catalog has remained just short of mythical to most rap fans.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 June 2026
The lone Republican candidate in that race, Linda Lukacs, got 25% in the primary — far short of Bailey’s support.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
Under the previous rules, Leach fell short of the eligibility requirements.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Power numbers are short of expectations for Jakob Marsee (three), rookie Owen Caissie (five) and Agustin Ramirez (just two homers before his demotion to Jacksonville).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for short of
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.
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 June 2026
The lone Republican candidate in that race, Linda Lukacs, got 25% in the primary — far short of Bailey’s support.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026
Under the previous rules, Leach fell short of the eligibility requirements.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Power numbers are short of expectations for Jakob Marsee (three), rookie Owen Caissie (five) and Agustin Ramirez (just two homers before his demotion to Jacksonville).
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for short of
Cite this Entry
“Short of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20of. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
