shortfalls
|short/falls|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈʃɔrtˌfɔlz/
🇬🇧
/ˈʃɔːtˌfɔːlz/
(shortfall)
deficit or lack
Etymology
Etymology Information
'shortfall' originates from the combination of 'short' and 'fall', where 'short' meant 'lacking' and 'fall' referred to 'a decrease or drop'.
Historical Evolution
'shortfall' was formed in modern English by combining 'short' and 'fall' to describe a situation where something falls short of expectations.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a decrease or drop', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a deficit or lack'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a deficit or lack in the amount or quantity expected or needed.
The company faced significant shortfalls in revenue this quarter.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45