a big shortfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big shortfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant deficiency or lack of something, often in a financial or resource context. Example: "The company reported a big shortfall in revenue this quarter, prompting management to reevaluate their budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

That's wonk-speak for a big shortfall.

The New Yorker

Detroit's trustees say they think Milliman was told to come up with a big shortfall on purpose.

The New York Times

Though down from a peak of 6.6% of GDP in late 2005, this is still a big shortfall.

The Economist

But there is usually a big shortfall, and over the years firms have struggled to turn stock research into a moneymaker.

The New York Times

A big shortfall means the coming legislative session will be all about what's being cut; what programs and services won't be offered.

The New York Times

The NHS had a big shortfall of doctors even 10 years back and they recruited from India but it didn't make any difference then," Sood says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A lower interest rate would depress the projected value of assets in the fund and indicate a bigger shortfall.

The Guardian - Business

When interest rates are very low, as they have been, the cost of the promises rises rapidly as well, creating a bigger shortfall.

The New York Times

A bigger shortfall was revealed by in-car cameras that captured thousands of motorists in the wild as part of a major federal safety study.

The Washington Post

The Olympic committee would have had a bigger shortfall but for two things: a last-minute surge in ticket sales, which allowed it to sell 90percentt of its supply, and the crash of the Australian dollar.

The New York Times - Sports

They have been ordered to raise a whopping €26.1 billion by the European Banking Authority (EBA) by June; only Greek banks had a bigger shortfall in the EBA's latest stress tests.There is another source of capital: bondholders of dud banks could be forced to take losses.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a big shortfall", provide the numbers in question in order to clarify what the missing or insufficient amount is, or what it refers to, and give it context.

Common error

Avoid using "a big shortfall" for minor deficiencies; reserve it for situations where the lack is genuinely significant. Using "a slight deficit" or "a minor gap" would be more appropriate for lesser issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big shortfall" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a significant lack or deficiency of something, whether tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its common use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big shortfall" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant deficiency, often in financial or resource-related contexts. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and business. When employing this phrase, ensure that the magnitude of the shortfall justifies the use of "big", and quantify the deficiency whenever possible to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "a significant deficit" or "a large gap", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant deficit

Emphasizes the numerical difference between what is required and what is available, often in a financial context.

a large gap

Highlights the disparity or space between two quantities or expectations.

a considerable deficiency

Underscores the inadequacy or lack of something essential.

a substantial shortage

Focuses on the insufficient quantity or supply of something needed.

a marked inadequacy

Highlights the obvious and noticeable lack of something.

a severe lack

Emphasizes the gravity and intensity of the missing element.

a notable omission

Draws attention to something that has been left out or excluded.

a critical failing

Focuses on the importance and severity of the failure or deficiency.

a major discrepancy

Highlights inconsistencies, typically between related facts.

a sizable deficit

Indicates a considerable shortage or deficiency, specifically within a context that requires a numeric evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "a big shortfall" in a sentence?

You can use "a big shortfall" to describe a significant deficiency or lack of something, for example: "The company experienced "a big shortfall" in its projected revenue."

What's the difference between "a big shortfall" and "a small deficit"?

"A big shortfall" suggests a considerable deficiency, while "a small deficit" indicates a minor gap. The choice depends on the magnitude of the deficiency you are describing.

What can I say instead of "a big shortfall"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant deficit", "a large gap", or "a considerable deficiency" depending on the context.

Is "a big shortfall" always related to finances?

While often used in financial contexts, "a big shortfall" can refer to deficiencies in other areas, such as resources, supplies, or even skills. For example, "There's "a big shortfall" in qualified nurses in the region."