as in lack
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shortage
The United Nations says funding cuts are already causing the dismantling of health services, including layoffs, drug shortages and disruptions to research.
—
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025
The hiring surge was aimed at rectifying years-long staffing shortages that forced veterans to wait months to receive healthcare.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Freddie Mac estimates that there is a shortage of 3.7 million units in the U.S. Houses can’t be built overnight, which means housing inflation will remain an issue for some time.
—Chris Gunster, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Governments simply cannot tolerate disruptions to, shortages of, or sharp price increases in energy supplies.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2025
The hiring surge was aimed at rectifying years-long staffing shortages that forced veterans to wait months to receive healthcare.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
Freddie Mac estimates that there is a shortage of 3.7 million units in the U.S. Houses can’t be built overnight, which means housing inflation will remain an issue for some time.
—Chris Gunster, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Governments simply cannot tolerate disruptions to, shortages of, or sharp price increases in energy supplies.
—Daniel Yergin, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage
Noun
-
The minimum amount of moving parts, along with the lack of bearings and the frictionless environment, make the heart extremely durable.—
Michael Franco,
New Atlas,
14 Mar. 2025
-
But Brown's lack of rhythm offensively does seem to play a role in Boston occasionally struggling against good teams.—
Morten Stig Jensen,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Iodine deficiency can be serious, but is eminently treatable.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
8 Mar. 2025
-
However, maintaining adequate levels of B vitamins and magnesium may prevent the development of neuropathy due to nutrient deficiencies.—
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN,
Verywell Health,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
California is also doing its part to contribute to egg scarcity.—
Will Swaim,
National Review,
18 Mar. 2025
-
My final eggless contribution is this sassy chocolate acorn squash mousse for an elegant and easy treat that’s suitable (and delightful) for both Passover, Easter, along with our sad period of egg scarcity and beyond.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The deficit came despite a $28.8 million increase in revenue from the previous year, highlighting the challenging financial environment even central athletic departments face in today’s collegiate landscape.—
Brian Roberts,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
-
If every country in the world had a surplus, who would have the deficit?—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share