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

1. fail to meet (expectations or standards)