shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij How to pronounce shortage (audio)

Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For American farmers waiting on harvesting equipment, that means delays, shortages and higher costs down the line. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 Older neighborhoods throughout much of California face similar issues, as the state encourages developers to build more homes on less land to meet the statewide housing shortage. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025 Recovering and processing that gas, instead of wasting it, could ease Iraq's chronic power shortages. Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025 The outbreak was forcing a shortage of eggs as well, leading some grocers to restrict how many dozens of eggs consumers could buy per visit. Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

shortage

noun
short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
: a lack in the amount needed : deficit
a shortage of cash
a gasoline shortage

More from Merriam-Webster on shortage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!