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 spending plan at the time helped close a $245 million shortfall.
—
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
These are not recoverable shortfalls.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the city is facing a $120 million budget shortfall.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Therapy and other mental health services for students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them will be eliminated from Olathe Public Schools next year as the district makes cuts in the face of budget shortfalls.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
These are not recoverable shortfalls.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, the city is facing a $120 million budget shortfall.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
Therapy and other mental health services for students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them will be eliminated from Olathe Public Schools next year as the district makes cuts in the face of budget shortfalls.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfall
Noun
-
Given Luna’s physical deficiencies, the system relies on human employees to prepare the shop and interact with customers.—
David Ingram,
NBC news,
11 Apr. 2026
-
His athletic deficiencies show up in pass protection.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The forum focused heavily on affordability, health care, childcare, and California's budget deficit, with candidates outlining competing policy approaches.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Phoenix bounced back to cut the deficit to 65-62 at the break after Green completed a four-point play — hitting a 3 while being fouled — with one second remaining.—
David Brandt,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfall. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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