fall short

phrase

Synonyms of fall shortnext
1
: to be deficient
The expedition's supplies began to fall short.
2
: to fail to attain something (such as a goal or target)
The results fell short of expectations.

Examples of fall short in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both teams made the postseason last year, but fell short without making any real noise. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The implementation of these improvements was messy, including in Missouri; in 1969, the Supreme Court adjudged that a recent redistricting plan in the state fell short of one person, one vote. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 In day scenes, film lights were only used where natural light fell short; at night, the team relied as much as possible on existing streetlights and lamps. — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 The proposal falls short of the union’s demands and offers a smaller overall increase than the agreement the city reached with police officers in August. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall short

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall short was in 1567

Rhymes for fall short

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Browse Nearby Words

fall/run afoul of
fall short
fall short of expectations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fall short.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20short. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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