Always five short (3)
I believe the answer is:
eer
This could be a double definition.
'always' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'five short' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for eer that I've seen before include "Before, poetically speaking (1'2)" , "Ever to the poet (3)." , "Always (poetical)" , "Ever poetically" , "Always (poetic)" .)