B2noun 2K

Shortage

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/"]/

Meaning of Shortage

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

Shortage in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Shortage

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.

Related words

Collocations with Shortage

• 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 for Shortage

• deficiency
• lack
• insufficiency
• deficit
• drought

Opposites of Shortage

• surplus
• plenty
• abundance

Common mistakes with Shortage

• '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)

Frequently asked questions about Shortage

What does Shortage mean?

a situation where there is not enough of something

What is the definition of Shortage?

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

How do you use Shortage in a sentence?

There is a serious shortage of clean drinking water in the region.

Can you give another example of Shortage?

The shortage of skilled workers has slowed down the construction project.

What are synonyms for Shortage?

Common alternatives include deficiency, lack, insufficiency, deficit, drought.

What is the opposite of Shortage?

Opposite meanings include surplus, plenty, abundance.

What words go with Shortage?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Shortage?

'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)

How do you pronounce Shortage?

US: /["/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈʃɔːtɪdʒ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Shortage?

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.

What CEFR level is Shortage?

"Shortage" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.