DEF: A deficit (an amount that is less than the level that was needed).
EX: This year’s budget shortfall is 20 billion dollars, the government expects to collect less tax than it spends.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
shortfall (noun)a failure to come up to expectation or need - a budget shortfall , also the amount of such failure - a $2 million shortfall
Synonyms:
deficit, deficits
