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

There’s a housing shortage in LA, so the land will no doubt be put to better, more lucrative use. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

No amount of subsidies or tax credits can outrun a supply shortage. —J.d. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner said shortages of supplies are affecting the entire industry, and Intel expects available supply to hit a bottom early this year before improving in the spring and beyond. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026

Sacramento City College will begin training air traffic controllers through a new program as part of a push to address an ongoing nationwide shortage that was highlighted during the government shutdown late last year. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 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