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

The oil shortages have threatened to plunge Cuba into complete darkness, with power plants struggling to keep the lights on.

From Barron's

Another factor: fiber-optic installation is facing a labor shortage.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Japan has a major labour shortage. Foreign workers are now vital to many sectors of the economy," he says.

From BBC

Eleven estradiol patch products are currently in shortage, according to data from the University of Utah’s Drug Information Service.

From The Wall Street Journal

Two-thirds of contractors in the state report labor shortages.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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