Meaning & Definition of word "Shortfall"

Shortfall

/ˈʃɔrtˌfɔl/

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.

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

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.

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.

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.