〜に満たない

less than, fall short of (a number or standard)

Formation: Number / quantity / standard N + に満たない (満たなかった, 満たず)

Means "to fall short of" or "be less than" a stated amount or standard. 満たない is the negative of 満つ/満ちる (to fill up). It is formal and common in news, statistics and official writing, and it usually suggests the figure is lower than expected or required. Compared with 〜未満 (a neutral technical "under"), it puts more weight on not reaching a target.

Variants: に満たず、に満たなかった、に満たぬ

Examples

参加者は予定の半数に満たなかった。
Participants numbered fewer than half of those expected.
基準に満たない製品は出荷できない。
Products that fall short of the standard cannot be shipped.

In real texts 1 occurrence(s)

遅れる生物多様性保全　地球の危機直視し行動を · 2026年11月5日

順調に進んでいる施策も半分に満たなかった。

Measures progressing smoothly also numbered fewer than half.

半分に満たなかった means "did not reach half", i.e. fewer than half. It attaches to a quantity (半分) and puts the result below a benchmark, so it implies the number is disappointing. The writer chooses it over a plain 半分以下だった because it is more formal and stresses failing to reach a threshold. Together with the も in 施策も, it adds a second piece of bad news to the finding in p6s1.