Shortage Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples

Meaning 1：lack (shortage)

shortage 🔊

/ˈʃɔːr.tɪdʒ/

A situation where there is not enough of something that people need or want.

Illustration of a shortage: empty supermarket shelf with disappointed shopper

lack 🔊

➕

/læk/

The state of not having enough of something that is needed.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'short' (inadequate) + noun suffix '-age' (state or condition).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of an age (era) where everything is in short supply – a 'short-age'.

📖 Example

The shortage of affordable housing in big cities makes it hard for young people to rent apartments. 🔊 A deficiency in reasonably priced places to live in urban centers creates difficulties for younger individuals seeking to lease homes.

🔗 Collocations

food shortage – A situation where there is not enough food available.

housing shortage – A lack of adequate homes or apartments for the population.

labor shortage – A condition where there are not enough workers to fill available jobs.

🔄 Synonyms

scarcity (n.) – The state of being insufficient or in short supply.

deficit (n.) – The amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small.

dearth (n.) – A scarcity or lack of something.

🚫 Antonyms

abundance (n.) – A very large quantity of something; more than enough.

surplus (n.) – An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess.

🌱 Derivatives

short (adj.) – Measuring a small distance from end to end; inadequate.

shorten (v.) – To make or become shorter.

📖 Cultural Story

The word originated in the late 19th century. Its use spiked during economic crises like the Great Depression and the 1970s oil crisis, often appearing in news headlines about supply disruptions.