come up short
Meaning
To fail to reach a required standard, goal, or expectation; to be insufficient or not good enough.
Origin
Originally tied to physical measurement: something literally “comes up short” when it’s shorter than needed. It broadened to mean falling short of a target or expectation in results or performance.
Notes
Often implies an effort was made but the result was still insufficient. Common in performance/goal contexts; neutral to mildly critical. Can sound judgmental if aimed at a person.
Examples
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Despite months of training, he came up short in the final race.
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The proposal comes up short on details about funding.
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Our customer service fell behind and we came up short this quarter.
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Her explanation came up short of convincing the committee.
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They tried to hit the deadline, but they came up short by two days.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Phrasal verb; usually intransitive: “come up short.” Tense inflects (comes/came/has come up short). Often followed by “of + noun” (come up short of expectations).
Synonyms
- fall short
- not measure up
- be lacking
- miss the mark
- come up shy
Antonyms
- meet the mark
- reach the goal
- measure up
- succeed
- deliver