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

“There appears to be no shortage of suitors for Puma which increases the likelihood that a takeover materializes,” Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, told clients in a note.

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He returned to power in a country that is in deep crisis, with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency.

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Since choline supports the brain and liver, long-term shortages may heighten vulnerability to metabolic stress and intensify the effect obesity has on the brain.

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The brewer said early last month that production at six beer factories had resumed, while it was processing orders by hand in an effort to swerve potential drinks shortages.

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The outage resulted in drink shortages in shops across Japan.

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Related Words

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