The phrase "massive shortfall" means a very large and significant deficit or shortage. It describes a situation where there is a substantial gap between what is needed or expected and what actually exists or is available. Full definition
This year's budget season was largely drama - free compared to last year, when schools CEO Sonja Santelises revealed that the school system faced a massive shortfall and the threat of up to 1,000 layoffs. (baltimoresun.com)
Faced with a massive shortfall in revenue because of the recession, then - Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue asked Republican leaders to extend part of a temporary 1 - cent sales tax increase to maintain education funding. (newsobserver.com)