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

Tens of thousands marched as rising rents and a shortage of homes fuel Spain’s housing crisis; the country has far less subsidized public rental housing than the European Union average. — Alicia León, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The head of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association said consumers likely will face shortages and additional price increases this fall and winter. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

The fresh wave of anger comes after protests in recent years against overtourism in Barcelona, where activists say a surge in apartments being used for short-term vacation rentals has contributed to a shortage of affordable housing. — Jamie Gray, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2026

Like other communities confronting the prospect of a data center for the first time, many residents in this town of roughly 18,000 people are concerned about noise, water use, and power shortages. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 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