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.
The aircraft carrier spent more than 260 consecutive days at sea without a port call, with reports of supply shortages, broken plumbing and eight suicide attempts among its crew. — Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 Officials blamed supply and logistical problems, including fuel shortages. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Yet teachers and students continue to complain about basic shortages. — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 The increases come amid a global memory-chip shortage fueled by the AI boom. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 10 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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
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