slightly short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly short" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not quite long enough or is a little less than the expected length. Example: "The dress was slightly short for my taste, but I decided to keep it anyway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He said the dividend had fallen slightly short.

The Guardian - Business

Despite the measures, the government fell slightly short.

The New York Times

On his body however, the jacket runs slightly short.

The New York Times

The prosecutor, Robert Horan Jr.. called Mr. Arif's motion "slightly short of frivolous".

The New York Times

Some of Volkswagen's car models also fall slightly short, these people said.

The New York Times

It also had an excellent, streamlined riding position, although the seatpost was slightly short.

The Guardian - Tech

I was slightly short of breath and my hands were shaking.

The New York Times

While the company's profit was better than analysts had expected, its revenue fell slightly short.

The New York Times - Tech

The deal falls slightly short of the harsh conditions set by Mr. Helms to release America's dues.

The New York Times

But he left that shot slightly short, and it came to rest against a steep lip of a greenside bunker.

The New York Times - Sports

"She would jump a crevasse, fall slightly short and be held suspended on climbing ropes by the guides.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly short" to describe measurements or quantities, be precise with the units and context. For example, "The rope was slightly short for the intended purpose, lacking about 2 inches."

Common error

Avoid using "slightly short" when the deficiency is significant. If something is substantially lacking, choose a more accurate descriptor like "considerably short" or "significantly lacking."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly short" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that something is a small amount less than required or expected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase describes deficiencies in length, quantity, or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly short" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is just below the required or expected level. Ludwig AI analysis shows it is used across various contexts, from news and business to science and technology. While "slightly short" indicates a minor deficiency, it's important to use it appropriately and avoid overstating the shortfall. Related phrases like "a bit brief" or "somewhat lacking" can be used as alternatives. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, as confirmed by its frequent appearance in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit brief

Focuses on brevity, implying a small degree of insufficient length or duration.

somewhat lacking

Emphasizes the absence of something, but only to a small extent.

marginally inadequate

Highlights inadequacy with a small degree of emphasis.

just a tad short

Uses informal language to express a minor shortfall.

barely sufficient

Indicates that something meets the minimum requirement, but not by much.

scarcely enough

Implies a minimal quantity that is just meeting the required level.

almost sufficient

Conveys that something nearly reaches the required amount or standard.

falling just below

Focuses on being immediately under a specified limit or standard.

not quite up to par

Indicates that something doesn't fully meet expectations or standards.

a touch too little

Suggests a minor deficiency in quantity or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly short" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly short" to describe something that doesn't quite meet a required length or standard. For example, "The revenue was slightly short of the projected target."

What are some alternatives to "slightly short"?

Alternatives include "a bit brief", "somewhat lacking", or "marginally inadequate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "slightly short" or "a little short"?

Both "slightly short" and "a little short" are acceptable, but "slightly short" may be perceived as slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

What's the difference between "slightly short" and "significantly short"?

"Slightly short" indicates a minor deficiency, while "significantly short" implies a substantial and noteworthy shortfall. The degree of difference is the key distinction.