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

When more homes are built and the housing shortage is chipped away, existing homes in the area may sell for less money. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

But the freeze covers only about 28% of the total housing stock in the city, and critics allege that freezing rents will only make the housing shortage worse. — Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2026

School bus runs can be over an hour to get to a school that is only a few miles away because of the shortage of drivers and consolidated bus routes. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Afghanistan's health system is under severe strain, with many hospitals and clinics facing shortages of staff, medicine and funding. — Fatima Faizi, NPR, 10 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