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
Beyond helping San Diego close a budget shortfall, Elo-Rivera maintained the taxes on second homes and short-term rentals would relieve pressure on the city’s housing shortage.
—
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Officials said the adjustments will prevent a shortfall of more than $120 million for the state.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
The notion that Social Security faces a shortfall suffuses the national conversation about preparing for retirement.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026
The staff reductions are meant to address budgetary shortfalls stemming from declining enrollment.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Officials said the adjustments will prevent a shortfall of more than $120 million for the state.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026
The notion that Social Security faces a shortfall suffuses the national conversation about preparing for retirement.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 28 Feb. 2026
The staff reductions are meant to address budgetary shortfalls stemming from declining enrollment.
—Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfall
Noun
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The title refers to canines that are awaiting deployment, undergoing medical evaluation, being reviewed for deficiencies or leaving the service.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
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Many weed problems begin because lawn grasses are stressed due to nutrient deficiencies.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Budget deficit of 4% Such a target would also match last year's, which had marked a rare expansion of government spending relative to GDP.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
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The Green Wave overcame a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter and forced OT on Younger’s baseline drive with 20 seconds remaining and Sauls’ layup with 10 seconds left.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfall. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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