Crossword Genius

Something lacking in brief season in America (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shortfall

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'something lacking' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'brief season in america' is the wordplay.
'brief' becomes 'short' (synonyms).
'season in america' becomes 'fall' (US name for autumn).
'short'+'fall'='SHORTFALL'

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shortfall that I've seen before include "lack" , "what we're lacking" , "Not quite what's expected" , "Deficit of something required" , "Loss" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app