shortage
word
/ˈʃɔɹtədʒ/
SHOR-tij
/ʃˈɔːtɪdʒ/
SHAW-tij
Definition
A situation where there is not enough of something that is needed or wanted.
Usage & Nuances
'Shortage' is most commonly used for resources or items that are in demand, like water, food, or workers. Often appears in phrases like 'water shortage', 'labor shortage', or 'housing shortage'. Do not confuse with 'lack', which is more general.
Spanish: escasezPortuguese (BR): escassezPortuguese (PT): escassezChinese (Simplified): 短缺Chinese (Traditional): 短缺Hindi: कमीArabic: نقصBengali: ঘাটতি - অভাবRussian: нехватка - дефицитJapanese: 不足Vietnamese: sự thiếu hụtKorean: 부족Turkish: kıtlık - eksiklikUrdu: قلت - کمیIndonesian: kekurangan
Example Sentences
There is a shortage of clean water in this village.
basic
The store is closed because of a shortage of workers.
basic
During the war, there was a shortage of food.
basic
We’re seeing a serious teacher shortage in many cities lately.
natural
Because of the chip shortage, buying a new car is taking much longer than usual.
natural
If there’s another fuel shortage this winter, things could get difficult.
natural