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

The demand for memory chips in the data centers being built to power AI is causing a shortage and sending prices skyrocketing. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 31 July 2026

African penguins are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to food shortages and overfishing of their habitats. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 31 July 2026

Weather, labor shortages, fluctuating commodity prices and rising input costs have long shaped the economics of agriculture. — Peter High, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

By Mark Gurman, Bloomberg Apple tumbled by the most in 16 months after component shortages weighed on the company’s sales forecast, signaling that industrywide supply constraints are taking a bigger toll than anticipated. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 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