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

The demand side has increased due to artificial-intelligence-related technology, and smartphone and energy-related needs are still strong, he said, leading to several years of supply shortages.

Read more on MarketWatch

The state says the universal-care initiative is tackling the child-care shortage from various angles, starting with the areas where families struggle most—infant and toddler care, full-day options, and nontraditional hours.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nexperia is a major supplier of basic computer chips to the car industry, and shortages have threatened global supply chains.

Read more on BBC

Currently, Target fulfills most of its online orders at stores—a tactic that some analysts argue has contributed to in-store inventory shortages, long checkout lines, and messier stores.

Read more on Barron's

War mobilization created labor shortages, resulting in more women and Black workers joining the industrial workforce.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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