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

On Tuesday, the boss of energy giant Shell said oil shortages could hit Europe next month.

From BBC

Advocates say AI will speed access to care and help the nation confront rising healthcare costs and a shortage of doctors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet global oil markets may be underestimating the risks of further supply shortages associated with this new strategy, according to analysts.

From MarketWatch

The Beltway’s institutional dysfunction points to a larger failure: a shortage of pro-growth ideas.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the U.S., too, farmers face rising costs, though not a shortage because of domestic production.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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