be short

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The orchestra might be short an oboe player; the school might want to fill a niche-major seat, or be seeking full-pay students, said Arkesh Patel, chief operating officer of admissions consultant Crimson Education.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Total-loss homeowners in Altadena estimate they will be short about $550,000 even after insurance payments, while in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, residents estimate the gap will be around $1.19 million and $1.73 million, respectively.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

“Nobody wants to be under-exposed to risk assets, let alone be short, should the war suddenly conclude, or even if the Strait of Hormuz was unblocked,” he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

If reserves of crude remain contained within their respective countries, Southeast Asia could be short of 2 million to 3 million barrels of crude daily.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

Though many mothers expect the separations to be short, typically they last six to eight years, says Analuisa Espinoza, a Los Angeles Unified School District social worker who specializes in immigrants.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario