Meaning & Definition of word "Shortfall"
Shortfall
/ˈʃɔrtˌfɔl/
noun:
- 1. A deficiency or an amount by which something, especially a quantity, falls short.
- Example: The company reported a shortfall in earnings, leading to concerns among investors.
- 2. The difference between the target amount and the actual amount received or produced.
- Example: Due to unexpected expenses, the budget experienced a shortfall this quarter.
- 3. An amount less than what is required.
- Example: The school faced a shortfall in funding, making it difficult to maintain its programs.
- 4. A situation in which the supply of a resource is less than the demand for it.
- Example: 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
deficit:
A deficiency in the amount of something.
insufficiency:
The condition of being inadequate or not enough.
underfunding:
Insufficient financial support for a project or program.
Slang Meanings of shortfall
Meaning: Running dry
● Example Sentence: We're running dry on supplies this month.
Meaning: Coming up short
● Example Sentence: I was coming up short on cash for the trip.