shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij 

: lack, deficit

Synonyms of shortage

• lack
• deficiency
• scarcity

Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year

Recent Examples on the Web

Community leaders, business owners and advocates met in Denver over the weekend looking for solutions to rising costs, workforce shortages, and immigration challenges. —Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026

Because there’s a shortage—and Anthropic has no desire to be left behind using what’s already on the market. —Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026

The prospect of an acute and prolonged oil shortage threatened to drive up prices for a vast array of goods, sapping energy from consumer spending, which powers most of the nation's economic growth. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026

The full economic impact of the conflict has still likely yet to be felt as global markets continue to grapple with shortages of key commodities out of the Middle East. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing shortage

• no shortage of

Rhymes for shortage

• reportage

Kids Definition

shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij 

: a lack in the amount needed : deficit

a shortage of cash

a gasoline shortage