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.
Their creation has led experts to speculate whether a similar strategy may be implemented to address another area where Americans may face a financial shortfall — retirement. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025 The board announced in November that more than 50 administrative positions would be eliminated as a part of its fiscal solvency plan because of the school district’s shortfall. Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Walmart’s efforts to bring in more drivers, including those with less experience, is pivotal as the broader trucking industry faces a driver shortage that is expected to bring a shortfall of 160,000 drivers by 2028, according to the American Trucking Association. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025 But less than a year later, the new loan servicer conducted an escrow analysis that included all property taxes — as well as back taxes to cover the previous shortfall. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 17 Dec. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortfall. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

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