noun
insufficient syllables in waka or haiku
Technical term in traditional Japanese poetry, referring to a line or poem that has fewer syllables than the standard meter requires. Often contrasted with 字余り (excess syllables).
See also: 字余り
この俳句は字足らずで、五七五になっていない。
This haiku is syllable-deficient and does not follow the 5-7-5 pattern.
字足らずの歌は、時に味わい深いと評
A waka with insufficient syllables is sometimes praised for its evocative quality.