1
Miss a target
Reach less than a specified numerical goal.
Example
Participation fell short of the target by twelve percent.
fall short of
/ˌfɔːl ˈʃɔːt əv/ · FAWL SHORT uvcomparison phrase
Fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
Use fall short of to signal this exact relationship between ideas: fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
What fall short of Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Fail a standard
Not achieve the required quality or performance.
Example
The evidence falls short of proof.
3
Disappoint an expectation
Deliver less than what was reasonably anticipated.
Example
The restoration fell short of its ambitious plan.
Use fall short of Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Participation fell short of the target by twelve percent.
The evidence falls short of proof.
The restoration fell short of its ambitious plan.
Precision Matters
Fall short of overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
fall short of
vs.Signals fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
at least
Means not less than a stated minimum; or in any case, used to identify a limited positive point.
fall short of
vs.Signals fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
be comparable to
Means be sufficiently similar in relevant respects to permit comparison.
fall short of
vs.Signals fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
be representative of
Means be typical of, or fairly reflect, a larger group or category.
fall short of
vs.Signals fail to reach a required amount, standard, goal, or expectation.
far from
Means not at all, or very different from, the description or condition that follows.
Test fall short of in Context
The achieved response rate is below the stated benchmark.
1
With only 68 percent of households responding, the survey would ___ its 80 percent participation target.