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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At least five controllers took 45 days of trauma leave after the incident, leading to a staffing shortage that canceled and delayed more than a thousand flights. Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 The Philadelphia air traffic control facility that handles flights at Newark is also experiencing a staffing shortage. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 19 May 2025 In their open letter this spring, former weather service directors warned that severe staffing shortages at local weather service offices could lead to less accurate and detailed forecasts this summer. Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 19 May 2025 By the weather service union's count, about 52 of 122 weather forecast offices have staffing shortages above 20%. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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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