# fall short

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-short
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be less satisfactory than expected; to be inadequate or insufficient.

## Examples

- My test results fall short of my goals.
- The new product launch fell short of sales targets, so the company had to rethink its strategy.
- Despite his extensive preparation and years of experience, his final performance fell short of the high standards set by his predecessors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.