run short

Idioms  

1. Use something up so that a supply runs out or becomes insufficient, as in We ran short of envelopes, or The organization is running short of money. [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

run short

I know that Social Security is projected to run short of the funds needed to pay full benefits in a few years.

From MarketWatch ● May 4, 2026

The shutdown has dragged on for months, and the department says it will soon run short of money External link needed to pay its roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration workers.

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 2026

He recently asked OpenAI to lead a funding round for Helion after the nuclear-fusion startup fell behind on promises of a breakthrough energy source and began to run short on cash.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

“Tugs run short, repetitive missions requiring high torque, and start and end at the same home base,” Arc said in a statement announcing its retrofitting project.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 14, 2025

“How dare you remind me of that horrid dinner party, when yours is so nice in every way?” added Jo, as they both laughed and ate out of one plate, the china having run short.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott