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magkulang

to fall short

verb mag-KU-lang AF VERB Less Common
Illustration of the root word "kulang" (lacking; insufficient)
Illustration from root: kulang

From root: kulang

Conjugations

Past (Completed)

nagkulang

nag-KU-lang

fell short

Present (Incomplete)

nagkukulang

nag-ku-KU-lang

falling short

Future (Contemplated)

magkukulang

mag-ku-KU-lang

will fall short

Usage Note

Magkulang is used when expressing that something is insufficient or that one has failed to meet a standard, obligation, or expectation. It is commonly used in discussions about financial shortages or in emotional contexts where someone feels they have not done enough for a loved one.

Examples

Beginner

" Baka magkulang ang pagkain. "

Natural Translation

The food might fall short.

Literal Translation

Maybe fall-short the food.

Intermediate

" Ayaw naming magkulang ang pagkain. "

Natural Translation

We do not want the food to fall short.

Literal Translation

Dislike we fall-short the food.

Advanced

" Natatakot siyang magkulang sa pag-aaruga sa kanyang mga magulang ngayong matatanda na sila. "

Natural Translation

She is afraid of falling short in caring for her parents now that they are old.

Literal Translation

Afraid she to-fall-short in caring for her plural parents now-that old already they.

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Word family

kulang has 4 related forms built from the same root.

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