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Showing results for short of. Search instead for shortcom.
Definitions

short of

ADJECTIVE
barring
Synonyms
STRONG
bar discounting excepting excluding
WEAK
apart from aside from but for other than outside of save for with the exception of
ADJECTIVE
depleted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drained reduced vacant weakened
STRONG
bare collapsed decreased depreciated emptied lessened sapped sold spent used wasted worn
WEAK
all in bleary destitute devoid of effete far-gone in want kaput out of pooped out sold out sucked out used-up washed out without resources worn-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
energized full
WEAK
augmented enlarged increased unconsumed unused
ADJECTIVE
insufficient
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deficient faulty inadequate incomplete meager poor scant scarce unsatisfactory
WEAK
bereft defective destitute devoid drained dry failing imperfect incapable incommensurate incompetent infrequent minus out of rare short shy thin too little too late unample unfinished unfitted unqualified wanting
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adequate enough perfect satisfactory strong sufficient
WEAK
ample
ADJECTIVE
minus
Synonyms
STRONG
less negative
WEAK
deficient smaller subtracting
Antonyms
WEAK
plus
PREPOSITION
except
Synonyms
STRONGEST
save
STRONG
bar barring excepting excluding exempting lacking omitting rejecting saving
WEAK
apart from aside from besides but exclusive of if not leaving out minus not for outside of with the exception of without

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.

However, that number fell short of the 40% target set by World Rugby after the previous tournament in New Zealand.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

The valuation gain has been nothing short of incredible.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

In summary, the S&P 500’s oversold rally was sharp but appears to have ended short of the declining 20-day moving average.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

Porter and Thurmond called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished but said, short of that, the state should monitor the federal agency’s operations in the state to protect civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

There was no way, short of crawling through the mud on our bellies, that we could approach the Wallace house unseen.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.