shortage

[ shawr-tij ]

noun

1. a deficiency in quantity:

   a shortage of cash.

   Synonyms: lack, scarcity, want

2. the amount of such deficiency.

shortage

/ ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ /

noun

1. a deficiency or lack in the amount needed, expected, or due; deficit

Other Words From

• pre·shortage noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortage¹

First recorded in 1865–70; short + -age

Example Sentences

Providing this kind of care is complicated by the shortage of behavioral treatment professionals.

From Los Angeles Times

“Because climate uncertainty will be the largest driver of the city’s water shortage, the city must adapt by developing more local, reliable supplies,” Pierce said.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps the greatest self-made Democratic governance problem with an obvious solution is the housing shortage, but there is no correlation between housing inflation over the past five years and the way people voted.

From Slate

His bombastic approach means he has no shortage of enemies, including within his own party.

From BBC

“Otherwise, there is going to be a shortage in uranium, and that will subsequently impact power prices,” he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dearth
• deficit
• failure
• lack
• poverty
• scarcity
• shortfall
• weakness