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

Earlier this year, the NHS warned that it continued to face a "challenging" blood shortage, as it called for 200,000 new donors to come forward in order to maintain a safe and reliable supply.

Read more on BBC

While Ripa was speaking about the situation in New York City, there are no shortage of people complaining about the Halloween greed factor wherever they live.

Read more on MarketWatch

In December 2024, Hamas released a video showing Matan in captivity in which he said he and his fellow hostages were suffering from skin ailments and shortages of food, water and medicine.

Read more on BBC

Saxo Bank’s commodity strategist, Ole Hansen, also noted in a report published Friday that “the London silver cash market has entered a period of pronounced stress” owing to the shortage of available inventories.

Read more on MarketWatch

To manage this shortage, traders have turned to the leasing market.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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