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

Medicare and Medicaid, social health programmes for the elderly and poor, will continue, but staffing shortages could lead to some interruptions for certain services.

From BBC

Wirtz's current struggles are not down to a shortage of endeavour.

From BBC

They cited underfunding, staff shortages and unprecedented cuts to frontline dementia support services.

From BBC

Recruiters feel while graduates may swamp big employers with applications, some regional companies say they face a "skills shortage" in some sectors because of a lack of applicants.

From BBC

The Scottish government declared a national housing emergency last year due to a severe shortage in social homes and rising private rent costs.

From BBC

Related Words

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