as in deficiency
formal
a failure to get what is expected or needed
a shortfall in milk production profit shortfalls
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Recent Examples of shortfall
The county has faced relatively small budget shortfalls in the last couple of years and is now dipping into its reserves to the tune of $95 million.
—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 June 2026
Under the terms of the 2021 agreement, LA28 must create a $270-million contingency fund that can be distributed as a surplus if the Games make money, or be used to cover any losses in the event of a shortfall.
—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
At the same time, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, which has been tapped to cover budget shortfalls, is being rapidly depleted and just a fraction of prewar levels.
—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
The budget hole for the coming year well exceeds $1 billion, topping last year’s shortfall, which brought the mayor and the City Council to the brink of an unprecedented (and unthinkable) government shutdown.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 June 2026
Under the terms of the 2021 agreement, LA28 must create a $270-million contingency fund that can be distributed as a surplus if the Games make money, or be used to cover any losses in the event of a shortfall.
—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
At the same time, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, which has been tapped to cover budget shortfalls, is being rapidly depleted and just a fraction of prewar levels.
—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
27 June 2026
The budget hole for the coming year well exceeds $1 billion, topping last year’s shortfall, which brought the mayor and the City Council to the brink of an unprecedented (and unthinkable) government shutdown.
—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfall
Noun
-
Most people need vitamin D supplementation; vitamin E is usually sufficient from food unless a true deficiency exists.
-
According to her petition to the Supreme Court, Murrin faces more than $328,000 in tax, penalties, and interest (the interest that had grown to more than $250,000 by the time the IRS issued the notice of deficiency).
Noun
-
With Houston facing a three-run deficit after three innings, Cam Smith and Taylor Trammell singled in the fourth.
-
California typically operates with a spending deficit because Democrats spend more money than the state brings in.
Cite this Entry
“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfall. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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