shortage

American  

[shawr-tij] / ˈʃɔr tɪdʒ /

noun

1. a deficiency in quantity.

   a shortage of cash.

   Synonyms:

   lack, scarcity, want

2. the amount of such deficiency.

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shortage British  

/ ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• preshortage noun

Etymology

Origin of shortage

First recorded in 1865–70; short + -age

Compare meaning

How does shortage compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• scarcity vs. shortage

Example Sentences

The BMA said it was taking action as the government had not done enough to address pay claims and concerns about job shortages.

From BBC

Albanese has previously sought to reassure motorists that shipments of fuel continue to arrive in Australia, and petrol shortages in rural towns stem from panic buying and distribution bottlenecks.

From Barron's

The government maintains that Australia has all the fuel it needs, but panic buying and distribution problems have created regional shortages.

From MarketWatch

As geopolitical risks raise fears of an energy shortage and an acceleration in inflation, investors are pricing in a greater chance of a BOJ rate hike in April.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oil refiners are also bidding more aggressively for crude as they try to boost production as markets around the world are hit by shortages of jet fuel and diesel, said Ole Hansen from Saxo Bank.

From BBC

Related Words

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