falling short
phrase
1
as in failing
to be unsuccessful
The movie fell short of its viewers' expectations.
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2
as in falling flat
to go wrong
The biography falls short by neglecting to explore the subject's faults as well as his virtues.
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Recent Examples of falling short
Bichette, meanwhile, has struggled as well and his return to Toronto called attention to the fact that both the Mets and the Blue Jays are falling short in the standings as their star players flounder without each other.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Incomes falling short Non-homeowners need to earn just over $62,000 to afford a starter home.
—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Incomes falling short Non-homeowners need to earn just over $62,000 to afford a starter home.
—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Falling short.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/falling%20short. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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