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
At least in the immediate term, then, New Mexico stands to remain one of the many states falling short of a pledge to provide free or subsidized care.
—
Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Despite tech companies’ promises about the capabilities of generative AI, the technology has frequently fallen short of its promoters’ lofty ambitions to streamline drudgery and free up humans to do more creative, fulfilling work.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
This shift should assuage Beijing’s concern that the United States seeks to make Taiwan’s self-rule permanent and emboldens Taipei to take every step toward total separation short of declaring independence.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
As light as 1,200 pounds, the Caterham 7 can be amply powered by any engine short of that from a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
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.
Elliot Haspel, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Despite tech companies’ promises about the capabilities of generative AI, the technology has frequently fallen short of its promoters’ lofty ambitions to streamline drudgery and free up humans to do more creative, fulfilling work.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
This shift should assuage Beijing’s concern that the United States seeks to make Taiwan’s self-rule permanent and emboldens Taipei to take every step toward total separation short of declaring independence.
—Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025
As light as 1,200 pounds, the Caterham 7 can be amply powered by any engine short of that from a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
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 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share