Shortage

/ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A situation in which there is not enough of something that is needed.

There is a shortage of clean drinking water in many parts of the world.

The insufficient quantity or supply of a commodity.

The shortage of skilled workers is affecting the construction industry.

A deficit or lack of something required.

The company faced a shortage of funds, which delayed the project.

A condition in which a product or service is not available for sale.

Due to the pandemic, there has been a shortage of certain medical supplies.

A scarcity of resources or basic commodities.

The drought has led to a severe shortage of food supplies in the region.

From short + -age; originated in the 14th century.

shortage of supply

A situation where goods are not available in sufficient amounts.

labor shortage

A situation in which employers cannot find enough workers to fill job openings.

shortage economy

An economic condition characterized by the lack of certain goods or services.

scarcity

The state of being in short supply.

deficit

The amount by which something is too small.

insufficiency

The condition of being inadequate.

Food scarcity

During the crisis, there was a real food scarcity.

Stock out

The store had a stock out of the new video game due to high demand.