shortfall

noun

Definition of shortfallnext
as in deficiency
formal a failure to get what is expected or needed a shortfall in milk production profit shortfalls

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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 shortfall The memo means that energy production shortfalls are seen as a national defense risk. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Gale, the former union leader, pointed to the expansion of school choice programming as partially responsible for funding shortfalls. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 The Catholic Church hopes Flores will play a major part in addressing the shortfall. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 22 Oct. 2026 Guess who makes up for that financial shortfall in the budget? — Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfall
  1. deficiency
  2. deficit
Noun
  • The coaster’s most recent inspection, on March 16, reported no violations, deficiencies, citations or red tags, according to King.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Other diseases that cause similar symptoms and findings include lupus, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and less common conditions like neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody disease.
    — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficiency
Noun
  • This structural deficit tends to stall innovation, leaving the enterprise vulnerable to competitive stagnation.
    — Syed Ahmad, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Detroit cut its deficit to six points after three quarters and surged ahead in the fourth.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of deficit

Browse Nearby Words

shortens
shortfall
shortfalls
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Cite this Entry

“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfall. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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