as in lack
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
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Recent Examples of shortage
America is short by about 4 million homes needed to address the supply shortage and return housing to affordable levels in this country, according to Goldman Sachs Research.
—
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
But in a city with a dire housing shortage, the gap has sharpened scrutiny of policies that critics say make building in Kansas City more difficult.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
This comes as Oklahoma, which is considered a child care desert, faces a shortage of qualified workers and lawmakers continue to grapple with finding solutions.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 8 Jan. 2026
In blue-collar and service jobs, Dr Richardson added, candidates have been getting promoted at the same rate as generations before them because there is such a shortage of labor.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
But in a city with a dire housing shortage, the gap has sharpened scrutiny of policies that critics say make building in Kansas City more difficult.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
This comes as Oklahoma, which is considered a child care desert, faces a shortage of qualified workers and lawmakers continue to grapple with finding solutions.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 8 Jan. 2026
In blue-collar and service jobs, Dr Richardson added, candidates have been getting promoted at the same rate as generations before them because there is such a shortage of labor.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Mike Vrabel has breathed life into the New England Patriots, guiding them to a 7-2 start while riding a six-game winning streak despite fielding a roster that still has its fair share of deficiencies.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Opponents raised concerns about the cost of new construction and long-term debt, arguing that renovations could have addressed the library’s deficiencies.—
Daniel Hunt,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
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But the scarcity drove these young men together.—
John Lingan,
Rolling Stone,
8 Nov. 2025
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In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour and sugar.—
Carole Horst,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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