short of

preposition

: other than
especially : of a lesser degree than
had few options short of replacing the motor

Examples of short of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The expansion fell short of Wall Street’s expectations as consumers pulled back slightly on spending — a key inflation gauge rose to its highest point in nearly three years in March. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026 Japan, like much of Asia, is aging fast and running short of caregivers. Catherine Thorbecke, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026 For him and several of his peers, the Enhanced Games fits into that same experimental bucket that is nothing short of dangerous. Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026 After falling just two games short of the playoffs last season, this year’s goal is clear. Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for short of

Word History

First Known Use

1560, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of short of was in 1560

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Cite this Entry

“Short of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/short%20of. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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