as in deficiencies
formal
a failure to get what is expected or needed
a shortfall in milk production profit shortfalls
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Recent Examples of shortfalls
Pharmacies blame manufacturing shortfalls.
—
Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
This year, with elections looming, lawmakers might be tempted to make up shortfalls from politically motivated mistakes by short-changing programs that benefit Florida’s most vulnerable residents.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Austin Energy’s recently released 2035 plan also highlights the risk, noting that adding local, dispatchable generation would help protect customers from energy shortfalls and volatile market prices once Fayette is no longer part of the utility’s portfolio.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
These shortfalls are expected to last through late 2027, according to some estimates.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Then there’s a whole variety of new or increased fees for things such as using recreational centers, obtaining fishing permits and parking downtown, all of which are aimed at helping close the city’s perennial budget shortfalls.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Failing to make up these shortfalls is already costing the state money.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Still, Roberts questioned the wisdom of conforming with the federal tax cuts amid budget shortfalls.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
If that trend continues, and assuming people still want to move to Colorado, then shortfalls and rising rents could re-emerge in late 2027 or 2028, Rathbun predicts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
This year, with elections looming, lawmakers might be tempted to make up shortfalls from politically motivated mistakes by short-changing programs that benefit Florida’s most vulnerable residents.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Austin Energy’s recently released 2035 plan also highlights the risk, noting that adding local, dispatchable generation would help protect customers from energy shortfalls and volatile market prices once Fayette is no longer part of the utility’s portfolio.
—Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 30 Jan. 2026
These shortfalls are expected to last through late 2027, according to some estimates.
—Dylan Butts, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
Then there’s a whole variety of new or increased fees for things such as using recreational centers, obtaining fishing permits and parking downtown, all of which are aimed at helping close the city’s perennial budget shortfalls.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
Failing to make up these shortfalls is already costing the state money.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
Still, Roberts questioned the wisdom of conforming with the federal tax cuts amid budget shortfalls.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
If that trend continues, and assuming people still want to move to Colorado, then shortfalls and rising rents could re-emerge in late 2027 or 2028, Rathbun predicts.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfalls
Noun
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Fortification began in the United States in the early 20th century, when scientists linked nutrient deficiencies to widespread health problems, explains Young.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
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Nutrient Deficiencies Following either the keto diet or being in ketosis can lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the restriction of carbohydrates, which are vital sources of various vitamins and minerals.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Yee, who has been running on her background as controller and a member of the California Board of Equalization, cast herself as the financial savior the state needs in trying economic times of budget deficits and federal cuts.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Officials cited low enrollment and ongoing deficits for closing the six pre-K to eighth-grade schools.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfalls. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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