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Shortfall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shortfall

[ˈʃɔːtfɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

financial

A shortfall is a situation in which the amount of something that is needed is not enough.

Synonyms

deficiency, deficit, shortage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortfall

Used when there is an amount that is less than needed or expected, often in financial contexts or project goals.

  • The company faced a shortfall in their revenue projections.
  • There was a shortfall of donations for the charity event.
deficiency

Used when there is a lack or insufficiency of something that is necessary, often referring to health, skills, or resources.

  • The doctor noticed a deficiency in vitamin D levels.
  • Her diet had a deficiency of essential nutrients.
shortage

Used when there is not enough of something that is needed or normally available, often relating to supplies, goods, or workers.

  • There is a shortage of nurses in many hospitals.
  • Due to the drought, there is a water shortage in the region.
deficit

Used when there is a gap between resources and needs, especially in financial and budgetary situations. It usually carries a negative connotation.

  • The government is struggling with a budget deficit.
  • The team had a points deficit going into the last quarter.

Examples of usage

  • There is a shortfall in the budget this year.
  • The company is facing a significant shortfall in revenue.
  • We need to find a way to address the shortfall in funding for the project.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A shortfall is a failure to reach a particular level or target.

Synonyms

failure, gap, lack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shortfall

Shortfall is used when there is a deficiency or an amount that is less than what is needed or expected. It is commonly used in financial or measurement contexts.

  • The company faced a shortfall in its annual budget.
  • There was a shortfall in the number of volunteers needed for the event.
failure

Failure refers to the lack of success in achieving a goal or completing a task. It often implies a negative outcome and can be used in various contexts, from personal achievements to technical malfunctions.

  • The project ended in failure due to poor planning.
  • The engine failure caused a delay in the flight schedule.
lack

Lack is used to describe the absence or insufficiency of something. It can refer to tangible items or abstract concepts such as qualities or abilities.

  • There is a lack of water in the region due to drought.
  • Her lack of experience was evident during the interview.
gap

Gap is used to describe a disparity or missing part between two points, often in knowledge, time, or physical space. It can be neutral or highlight a need for improvement.

  • There is a significant gap in understanding between the two generations.
  • Mind the gap between the train and the platform.

Examples of usage

  • The team's performance fell short due to a shortfall in communication.
  • There was a significant shortfall in meeting the sales target.
  • The organization experienced a shortfall in meeting the deadline.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In business, a shortfall can indicate a decrease in revenue compared to projections, leading to budget adjustments.
  • Nonprofits often report funding shortfalls, which can hinder their ability to provide services.
  • Government budgets can experience a shortfall, affecting public services and projects.

Education

  • Schools may face a enrollment shortfall, which means fewer students than expected result in less funding.
  • Shortfalls in educational resources can lead to larger class sizes and less individualized attention.

Psychology

  • Feeling a shortfall in personal achievements can lead to stress or disappointment in individuals.
  • Perceived shortfalls in relationships may affect emotional well-being and lead to a sense of loss.

Crisis Management

  • During emergencies, a shortfall in supplies or resources can hinder effective response efforts.
  • Organizations must quickly identify and address shortfalls in disaster relief scenarios to support affected populations.

Origin of 'shortfall'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'short,' meaning less than expected, and 'fall,' which conveys a decrease.
  • It emerged in the English language during the late 20th century during discussions of finance and resources.

The term 'shortfall' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the combination of 'short' and 'fall'. It was initially used in financial contexts to describe a deficit or shortage of funds. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass any situation where there is a lack or failure to meet a specific requirement or target.

See also: short, shortage, shortbread, shortcomings, shortcut, shortcuts, shorten, shortened, shortening, shortenings, shortly, shortness, shortsighted.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,377, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.