SHORTAGE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

shortage

noun

ˈshȯr-tij

Definition of shortage

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

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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 problems is the shortage has been three years in the making. — Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 In recent years, the global chocolate world has entered a period of unprecedented turmoil, punctuated by cocoa bean shortages and roller-coaster price fluctuations. — Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026 Ukraine pounds Russia with long-range strikes At the same time, Ukraine has shifted the war onto Russian soil through long-range drone strikes on oil facilities that have caused fuel shortages across Russia. — Volodymyr Yurchuk, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026 Companies big and small have been increasing prices due to a memory chip shortage brought on by immense demand for AI compute. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage

Noun

Because of a lack of variety in Halal restaurants, neither of the men had tried barbecue besides brisket before their trip.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
Fast growth and lack of warnings compound disaster Steiner said about 10% of Nepal’s power production was located in the valley affected by the latest disaster.

— Sibi Arasu, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of lack

Noun

Ultimately, underperformance often signals leadership deficiencies, including poor recruitment and inadequate team management, rather than external market forces.

— Bill Holmes, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Some experts have interpreted this update as focusing on optimizing health as opposed to ensuring adequate protein intake to avoid deficiency.

— Linda M. Boland, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of deficiency

Noun

Therefore, analysts note that if extreme weather worsens water and power scarcity, the impact could ripple through the entire semiconductor supply chain.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Three of the Florida Keys’ most famous luxury resorts have changed hands in just three months, drawing nearly half a billion dollars from investors betting on a market defined by scarcity.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of scarcity

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short

shortage

shortages

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“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shortage

noun

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