falls short
Doesn't quite succeed
Falls short means to fail to reach a standard, goal, or expectation.
The image is of an arrow or throw that doesn't travel far enough to hit its target: The funding fell short of what we needed.
Someone who falls short disappoints or underperforms: He tried his best but fell short.
The phrase implies a gap between what was attempted and what was achieved.
- failsDoes not succeed
- missFail to reach
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- lagPeriod of falling behind
- deficientHaving too little
not up to par · underperform · below expectations · unmet · stumble · drops the ball · subpar · lacking · shortfall · disappointing · undershot · unfulfilled · underdelivers · misfire · miss the mark · wide of the mark · misses the boat · scanty
falls shortexceeds expectations
Performs above projected levels
surpasses · exceeds · outperforms · overachieves · outdoes
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