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

As manufacturers worldwide search for ways to offset labor shortages and improve production efficiency, Shanghai Electric is positioning embodied AI as a practical tool for factory automation rather than a standalone robotics showcase. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026

Ukraine has expanded its campaign of disruption with bigger and increasingly frequent drone attacks inside Russia that are hitting high-profile targets, causing fuel shortages and piling pressure on Putin. — ABC News, 24 July 2026

The current price increases are primarily supply-driven, resulting from shortage of memory chips. — Srikanth Jagabathula, Fortune, 24 July 2026

There is a shortage of treatment chemicals and equipment, broken pump and, poor-quality filters. — Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 24 July 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