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 Word Forms

• preshortage noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortage¹

First recorded in 1865–70; short + -age

Example Sentences

Ukraine has dramatically increased the number of attacks launched against Russian oil refineries in recent months, sparking fuel shortages and price rises in some parts of the country, the BBC has found.

From BBC

She also saw a female resident screaming in distress over male carers doing intimate personal care, due to chronic staff shortages.

From BBC

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s air traffic control tower was temporarily unstaffed Monday and flights were delayed or canceled due to staffing shortages amid the government shutdown.

From Los Angeles Times

After the Woolsey fire, investigators found that staff shortages limited participation in emergency management training and hindered a unified approach.

From Los Angeles Times

Another supplier, Genex UK, a small company which presses metal parts, told the BBC it had been forced to lay off 18 staff because of a cash shortage.

From BBC

Related Words

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