shortage
SHAW-tihj
Shortage (noun) means a situation where there is not enough of something needed. Example: “Because of a water shortage, the village had to ration supplies.”
noun
1
A situation where there is not enough of something needed.
"Because of a water shortage, the village had to ration supplies."
"The hospital is dealing with a severe staff shortage."
"A shortage of chips slowed down car production worldwide."
How to use shortage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot having enough of something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
water shortage
labour shortage
chronic shortage
food shortage
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like shortage.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- shortages
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Because of a water _____, the village had to ration supplies.
Etymology
From short + the suffix -age.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for shortage
See all rhymes for 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.
