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

Haitians, who were already going hungry because gang violence has blocked highways and cut off commerce, are grappling with even more shortages and the loss of crops, the regional director of the United Nations’ World Food Program said Thursday during a visit to the country. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Dec. 2025

The government blames fuel shortages and aging infrastructure, while critics point to the country's communist system. —Abby Dodge, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Murray said Kansas’ next junior senator should focus on leveraging federal policy to drive down health care prices, support farmers, invest in schools and address the acute housing shortage. —Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Dec. 2025

People shifted their spending to buy more goods, creating bottlenecks at the nation’s ports, leading to shortages that fed inflation. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025

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