Word
shortfall
Phoneticsshort·fall, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɔɹtˌfɔɫ/
UK/ʃˈɔːtfɔːl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a situation where you have less of something than you need or expected. It is often used to talk about missing money, supplies, or time.
n. a deficit or failure to reach a required or expected amount. Often used in financial or logistical contexts to describe the gap between a target and the actual result.
Examples
“The company had a budget shortfall this year.”
“A sudden shortfall in grain production forced the government to increase food imports from neighboring countries.”
“Economists warned that the projected revenue shortfall could lead to significant cuts in public services unless the tax code was reformed to capture digital transactions.”
Examples
simple
“The company had a budget shortfall this year.”
contextual
“A sudden shortfall in grain production forced the government to increase food imports from neighboring countries.”
complex
“Economists warned that the projected revenue shortfall could lead to significant cuts in public services unless the tax code was reformed to capture digital transactions.”
Usage
Commonly paired with 'in' to specify the missing resource, such as a 'shortfall in funding' or a 'shortfall in production'.
Real-World Examples
“Children make up more than half of the refugee population, yet the 2026 Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan received only 17 percent of the funding it required, leaving an 83 percent shortfall.” “This is highlighted by one report earlier this year which said Japan faced a shortfall , external of almost 800,000 IT professionals by 2030.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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