as in deficiency
formal
a failure to get what is expected or needed
a shortfall in milk production profit shortfalls
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Recent Examples of shortfall
San Jose has a budget shortfall in the neighborhood of $60 million and is considering raising the hotel tax next.
—
Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
The shortfall reflects a dramatic decline in ridership since the pandemic.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the city expects a $100 million budget shortfall.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026
His announcement comes as the city grapples with a budget shortfall and makes unpopular moves to increase revenue, including charging for parking at Balboa Park.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 8 Feb. 2026
The shortfall reflects a dramatic decline in ridership since the pandemic.
—Da Lin, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, the city expects a $100 million budget shortfall.
—Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026
His announcement comes as the city grapples with a budget shortfall and makes unpopular moves to increase revenue, including charging for parking at Balboa Park.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortfall
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortfall
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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According to an article published in Psychiatric Research Neuroimaging, a deficiency in vitamin D can have an impact on the overall volume of grey matter.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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New York's new socialist mayor wants to tax corporations and wealthy New Yorkers to finance the city's $12 billion budget deficit.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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Californians know a single strong storm can improve the state’s snowpack and back-to-back systems could wipe out deficits.—
Monica Garske,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortfall. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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