shortfall

noun

short·​fall ˈshȯrt-ˌfȯl How to pronounce shortfall (audio)
Synonyms of shortfallnext
: 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.
Social Security faces a shortfall as soon as 2032. Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 That shortfall may have tightened the liquidity available to meet redemptions. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026 The city of Fort Worth has instituted a hiring freeze because of a budget shortfall, according to a memo from City Manager Jay Chapa shared with the Star-Telegram by District 3 council member Michael Crain. Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 During a slideshow presentation at last month’s board meeting, John Adams officials said the Lincoln campus had operated at a deficit for three years and was projecting a $950,000 shortfall for the upcoming school year. Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026 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 18 Mar. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster