shortage
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for shortage, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A situation where there is not enough of something needed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use shortage
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
water shortage
labour shortage
chronic shortage
food shortage
Etymology
From short + the suffix -age.
Full origin of shortage →Frequently asked questions
What does “shortage” mean?
The word “shortage” means a situation where there is not enough of something needed. In plain terms, not having enough of something.
How do you pronounce “shortage”?
“Shortage” is pronounced SHAW-tihj (/ˈʃɔː(ɹ)tɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “shortage” in a sentence?
Here is “shortage” used in a sentence: “The hospital is dealing with a severe staff shortage.”
What is the opposite of “shortage”?
The opposite of “shortage” — its antonyms — are glut, mountain and surplus.
What part of speech is “shortage”?
“Shortage” is a noun.
Is “shortage” a common word?
“Shortage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a shortage and a surplus?
A shortage is a situation where there is not enough of something needed, while a surplus is the opposite: more than enough, or an excess. A water shortage means too little water; a water surplus means too much.
What is the difference between a shortage and scarcity?
Scarcity is a general, often long-term limited availability of a resource, while a shortage is usually a specific, temporary gap where demand exceeds available supply. A shortage can be short-lived, whereas scarcity describes an ongoing condition.
What is the difference between a shortage and a deficit?
A shortage is a lack of enough of something needed, such as staff, housing, or food. A deficit is the measured amount by which something falls short, most often used of money, as when spending exceeds income.
What are common collocations with shortage?
Shortage frequently appears in phrases such as "labour shortage," "housing shortage," "water shortage," "food shortage," and "staff shortage." It usually follows the type of thing that is lacking.
