B2noun2K

Shortage

UK /["/ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/"]/US /["/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/"]/

Definition

a situation when there is not enough of the people or things that are needed

In simple words: a situation where there is not enough of something

Examples

  • There is a serious shortage of clean drinking water in the region.
  • The shortage of skilled workers has slowed down the construction project.
  • During the war, there was a shortage of food supplies across many cities.
  • Due to a shortage in funding, the community center had to reduce its programs.
  • Farmers faced a shortage of fertilizer this season, which affected crop yields.

Usage notes

Use 'shortage' in contexts discussing supply issues, such as food or resources. It's neutral and works well in both written and spoken English. Avoid using it with non-count nouns unless specified.

Grammar pattern

shortage + of + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'shortage' as 'short' on supplies; imagine a store with empty shelves.

Collocations

  • acute
  • chronic
  • critical
  • cause
  • create
  • lead to
  • occur
  • cause something
  • lead to something
  • because of a/​the shortage
  • due to a/​the shortage
  • shortage in

Synonyms

  • deficiency
  • lack
  • insufficiency
  • deficit
  • drought

Antonyms

  • surplus
  • plenty
  • abundance

Common mistakes

  • 'Shortage' used without a specific noun after it, e.g., 'There is a shortage.' (needs 'of something')
  • Confusing 'shortage' with 'scarcity' (scarcity is more about overall lack, while shortage refers to temporary deficits)
  • 'Shortages' used incorrectly as a verb form (it's a noun)