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

Netanyahu’s opponents have attacked him over the lack of Haredi conscription, especially with the Israeli military facing a manpower shortfall. — Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026

The latest financial records filed with the federal government show Providence Oregon had more than a $15 million shortfall as of 2024. — CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

When pension shortfalls, other post-employment benefits and deferred maintenance are properly counted, the true financial condition of Maryland and its local governments is far weaker than the official budget statements claim. — Judi Willard, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026

With demand for advice also growing, the firm projects a shortfall of roughly 100,000 advisors by 2034 unless the industry finds ways to serve more clients. — Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shortfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale