come short
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (intransitive) To fail to meet or reach a desired goal, standard, or expectation; to be insufficient or inadequate.
Usage
This verb phrase describes a situation where something does not achieve a required level, falls below a target, or disappoints by not matching what was anticipated. It often implies a measurable or comparative shortfall.
Examples
- The project's final results came short of the ambitious targets set by the board.
- Despite his effort, his performance came short of the qualifying standard.
- The donation drive came short of its fundraising goal by several thousand dollars.
Advanced Usage
- "to come short of": This is the most common construction, followed by the noun or noun phrase representing the unmet standard or expectation.
- The movie's plot came short of its promising premise.
- Used in formal or evaluative contexts to objectively state a deficiency without necessarily assigning blame.
Variants and Related Words
- Fall short (of): A very common synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- Supply fell short of demand.
- Shortcoming (n): A deficiency or failure to meet a standard; a flaw.
- The report listed the system's main shortcomings.
Synonyms
- Fail to meet
- Be inadequate
- Be insufficient
- Miss (a target/goal)
Antonyms
- Meet
- Fulfill
- Satisfy
- Exceed
- Surpass
Related Phrases
- Come up short: This phrase is essentially identical in meaning to "come short" and is often used interchangeably, especially in informal contexts.
- We came up short in the final minutes of the game.
Verb
- fail to meet (expectations or standards)