FALL SHORT Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

fall short

phrase

Definition of fall short

as in collapse

to be unsuccessful The movie fell short of its viewers' expectations.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in come to grief

to go wrong The biography falls short by neglecting to explore the subject's faults as well as his virtues.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 fall short Linguine Nerano This falls short in the way most Trader Joe’s frozen pastas do, resembling airline food when you’re blessed enough to have it. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026 While the comeback fell short, McCarthy impressed and made history in the process. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 In other words, Ohio was spending hundreds of millions of dollars on private-school tuition while falling short of fully funding its public-school formula. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 While the company beat on revenue, its earnings per share and profit margin fell short of expectations. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall short

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fall short

Phrase

Ohioans are getting bombarded with Republican ads on tax cuts, but the message is falling flat with many voters who feel the weight of higher prices.

— Jarrell Dillard, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2026
In its uncertain tonality and zany humor that falls flat, that’s the Waititi film that Klara and the Sun most resembles.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026