shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
Synonyms of shortagenext
: lack, deficit

Synonyms of shortage

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Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Other allies who could be impacted by the shortage include Japan and Taiwan, as well as the Gulf states currently fighting off Iranian attacks. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 Ballot shortages in Jackson County In the final hours of the primary election, some voters in Lee’s Summit, Missouri faced outsized lines at the polling places. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 Some lawmakers also previously raised concerns that a munitions shortage would weaken the country’s image in the face of its other geopolitical rivals like Russia and China. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 7 Aug. 2026 The lawmakers demanded that the VA disclose details about its shortage of mental health providers and the impact on veterans. — Eric Umansky, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Phrases Containing shortage

Rhymes for shortage

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Browse Nearby Words

short account
shortage
short and
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Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortage

noun
short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
: a lack in the amount needed : deficit
a shortage of cash
a gasoline shortage

More from Merriam-Webster on shortage

Nglish: Translation of shortage for Spanish Speakers

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