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

In the past, shortages in the U.S. hurt Novo Nordisk, opening the door for compounding pharmacies to produce lower-cost versions of the drugs that hit sales of the company’s branded products once supply was restored.

From The Wall Street Journal

It could also cause disruptions and shortages for other countries that use the shadowy network of tankers to buy and sell oil, including Cuba, Iran, Russia and China.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The shortage of healthy sperm has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide, and I’m proud that I did my part to help alleviate it,” Durov wrote in the 2024 post on Telegram.

From The Wall Street Journal

Trained physicians shouldn’t have to drive for Uber for 10 years while they navigate bureaucratic licensing programs in a state suffering from a shortage of doctors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The shortage of midfielders could force his hand in the same way.

From BBC

Related Words

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