Pronunciation

/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/

Definitions

Noun

A shortage refers to a lack or insufficiency of something, often material goods, resources, or personnel, when there is not enough to meet the demand or requirements.

Verb

To experience a shortage is to have a deficiency or run low on something, as in a supply or resource.

Adjective

• Shortage-prone describes something that is prone to experiencing a lack or deficiency.
• In short supply means there is not enough of a particular item available.

Phrases

• “Experience a shortage of” denotes the state of having inadequate supplies.
• “Mitigate the shortage” refers to finding ways to alleviate or reduce a lack.
• “Avoiding shortages” is the act of preventing or managing a lack of resources.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The region is currently facing a water shortage due to drought.”
• Verb: “Due to the pandemic, many businesses experienced a shortage of essential workers.”
• Adjective: “The company had to ration its food supply because it was in short supply.”

Synonyms

• Insufficiency
• Scarcity
• Shortfall
• Lack
• Paucity
• Depletion