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

Even if Trump's policies remain just talk, Ms Edelberg said the public could see higher prices, as well as possible shortages of some items, as hoarding left some firms scrambling.

From BBC

They say there are many reasons it’s taking so long: the scale of the undertaking, loss of momentum over time, a workforce shortage that has limited appropriate community placements, and a lack of political will.

From Salon

Organ shortages and cell type mismatches will become past problems, replaced by safe, on-demand options for anyone who needs a transplant.

From Science Daily

But Catherine Parsons, who oversees the Big Issue's specialist employability service Big Issue Recruit, said that "scare tactics" would only exacerbate Britain's worker shortages.

From BBC

Amid severe food shortages in Gaza, increasingly violent thefts by criminal gangs are now the main obstacle to distributing supplies in the south, aid workers and locals say.

From BBC

Related Words

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