Shortfall

/ˈʃɔrtˌfɔl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A deficiency or an amount by which something, especially a quantity, falls short.
The company reported a shortfall in earnings, leading to concerns among investors.
The difference between the target amount and the actual amount received or produced.
Due to unexpected expenses, the budget experienced a shortfall this quarter.
An amount less than what is required.
The school faced a shortfall in funding, making it difficult to maintain its programs.
A situation in which the supply of a resource is less than the demand for it.
There’s a significant shortfall in affordable housing in the city.

Etymology

The word combines 'short' and 'fall', indicating a fall below a set standard.

Common Phrases and Expressions

budget shortfall:
A situation where expenses exceed income.
revenue shortfall:
When the actual revenue is less than projected.
funding shortfall:
A deficit in the finances needed to complete a project.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Running dry
We're running dry on supplies this month.
Coming up short
I was coming up short on cash for the trip.