in short supply

phrase

: available in amounts that are less than needed

Gasoline is in short supply.

Browse Nearby Words

in short order

in short supply

inshrine

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“In short supply.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20short%20supply. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

in short supply

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jejune

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

The Longest Long Words List

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Games & Quizzes