shortfall

noun

short·​fall ˈshȯrt-ˌfȯl How to pronounce shortfall (audio)
: 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
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.
The deficit is recalculated annually based on the shortfall or surplus each month. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 In recent years, the City Council has held lengthy public discussions on ways to reduce shortfalls while brainstorming ways to increase revenues. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Rising rents and funding decisions by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) contributed to the shortfall. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025 Congress could fund the shortfall from general revenue but that would hardly be prudent in light of the growing national debt. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortfall

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortfall was in 1895

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortfall. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shortfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!