shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij How to pronounce shortage (audio)

Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Recent Examples on the Web Child care advocates have voiced concerns about making providers foot the bill, as many are already facing staffing shortages, with much of the workforce struggling to earn a livable wage. Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 While usually not connected to a State Department travel advisory, the quest to solve America’s healthcare worker shortage, and the subsequent strain on Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure, as a reason to avoid travel to the island. Richard Fowler, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Lack of funding and a shallow labor pool The pandemic spurred telehealth expansion, but also aggravated challenges such as burnout among behavioral health workers, high turnover rates and nationwide staffing shortages. USA TODAY, 29 Feb. 2024 The dispute started in early February, when the government proposed admitting more students to medical schools to address a longstanding shortage of physicians in South Korea. Jin Yu Young, New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 In Ojai, the housing shortage has been compounded by strict slow-growth laws, which — along with a ban on chain stores — were intended to maintain the small-town charm. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024 But, a recent report found that in the event of a Line 5 shutdown, the energy market could adapt without shortages or price hikes. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2024 Reardon said the supply shortages were unlike anything she's experienced in her 35 years of nursing. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 That figure plummeted at the height of the computer chip shortage to just 30-50 vehicles during some months. Tom Krisher, Quartz, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shortage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near shortage

Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shortage

noun
short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
: a lack in the amount needed : deficit
a shortage of cash
a gasoline shortage

More from Merriam-Webster on shortage

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