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 fact, the 2025 defensive personnel falls short of what Miami had in many areas in 2024 because of the changes made to the defensive line and the secondary. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025 An April report from the legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability showed the state’s revenue growth has fallen $471 million short of the $55 billion in state revenues Pritzker used in his February budget proposal. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 26 May 2025 The Gators went on a surge to finish 15-15 in the SEC and, despite falling short of a hosting spot, are back in the NCAA tournament for the 17th straight season. Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 May 2025 For whatever reason, Thibodeau benched Towns for six minutes and 35 seconds of the fourth quarter — beginning at the nine-minute mark — while the Knicks fell short of a comeback attempt in Friday’s 114-109 loss at Madison Square Garden. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025 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 4 Jun. 2025.

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