come up short
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inside the local university’s gym, the Harlem Globetrotters had come up short.
From Salon ● Aug. 19, 2026
Egypt arrived in North America as World Cup underachievers, having come up short in their previous three appearances on the global stage, failing to win any of their seven matches.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Though the Dodgers had made more viable scoring threats against Rays starter Drew Rasmussen, they’d come up short for five innings.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
By that measure, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez and Mr. Newsom have so far come up short.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 5, 2026
I dive across the room, but with one eye swelled shut I have no depth perception and come up short.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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