as in deficiencies
formal
a failure to get what is expected or needed
a shortfall in milk production profit shortfalls
Related Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of shortfalls
The wars are projected to compound shortfalls in overall tungsten supply as defense demand grows.
—
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 June 2026
China insulated itself from the oil shortfalls and rationing of neighboring countries in large part because of its mammoth crude stockpiles – prescient fuel warehousing that the government built up well before the war broke out.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Though the worst has not come to pass, Moscow’s decision — driven by domestic shortfalls caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries — piles further pressure on the sector.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
This may not be prudent with potential future budget shortfalls already estimated by the state.
—Jeff Kottkamp, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Four years later, the same governments improvised the same shortfalls under the conditions of national emergency.
—Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The state faces long-running structural shortfalls.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
The Sacramento region has potential shortfalls, like a lack of large, corporate headquarters, which leagues look for in cities as a pool of customers for sponsorships, suites and luxury seats.
—Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
As Congo struggles with conflict, distrust and aid shortfalls, Uganda warns citizens to avoid crowds even for soccer celebrations.
—Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
Kevin Williams, CNBC, 3 June 2026
China insulated itself from the oil shortfalls and rationing of neighboring countries in large part because of its mammoth crude stockpiles – prescient fuel warehousing that the government built up well before the war broke out.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
Though the worst has not come to pass, Moscow’s decision — driven by domestic shortfalls caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries — piles further pressure on the sector.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 June 2026
This may not be prudent with potential future budget shortfalls already estimated by the state.
—Jeff Kottkamp, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Four years later, the same governments improvised the same shortfalls under the conditions of national emergency.
—Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
The state faces long-running structural shortfalls.
—Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
The Sacramento region has potential shortfalls, like a lack of large, corporate headquarters, which leagues look for in cities as a pool of customers for sponsorships, suites and luxury seats.
—Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026
As Congo struggles with conflict, distrust and aid shortfalls, Uganda warns citizens to avoid crowds even for soccer celebrations.
—Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfalls
Noun
-
Also, legislation to diagnose and treat deficiencies in math is moving in the Capitol.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
-
One of his therapists had eventually explained to us that Charley used his ridiculous memory to compensate for his phonetic deficiencies.—
Chris Jones,
The Atlantic,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
The city has fallen back on multiple tax measures to draw more money, though spending cuts have also alleviated — for now — yearly deficits in the General Purpose Fund budget, which pays for most salaries and daily operations.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
American Francis Tiafoe, a fan favorite, has repeatedly overcome early deficits to reach the fourth round.—
Eben Novy-Williams,
Sportico.com,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortfalls.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfalls. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
