Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

shortfall

[shawrt-fawl] / ˈʃɔrtˌfɔl /
NOUN
deficit; imperfection
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deficiency flaw lack loss shortage shortcoming
STRONG
arrears default defectiveness inadequacy incompleteness insufficiency
WEAK
in the hole in the red insufficience red ink underage
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abundance enough perfection plenty success sufficiency

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.

“We are rebuilding and with the insurance shortfall, our finances are stretched already,” Marilyn Chong, an Altadena resident, wrote in a comment attached to the letter.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Part of that shortfall stems from claiming Social Security early.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Fiscal cracks appeared in 2016, when St. Michael’s missed enrollment and fundraising targets, leaving a $1.65 million shortfall.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But this year’s shortfall is estimated at 5.8%, rising to 6.7% in a decade.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

This all started with me noticing a 60-liter shortfall in water production.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Vocabulary lists containing shortfall

Shortage

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!