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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
America is short by about 4 million homes needed to address the supply shortage and return housing to affordable levels in this country, according to Goldman Sachs Research.
—
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
But in a city with a dire housing shortage, the gap has sharpened scrutiny of policies that critics say make building in Kansas City more difficult.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
This comes as Oklahoma, which is considered a child care desert, faces a shortage of qualified workers and lawmakers continue to grapple with finding solutions.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 8 Jan. 2026
In blue-collar and service jobs, Dr Richardson added, candidates have been getting promoted at the same rate as generations before them because there is such a shortage of labor.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage
Noun
-
Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
-
The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Noun
-
At least in the interim, Duke deserves credit for finding ways to win despite some of its defensive deficiencies.—
-
To combat this, our program overcorrected for the deficiencies of remote work, investing in in-person experiences and human connection.—
Noun
-
The Venezuelan people have endured years of instability, scarcity, and fear.—
-
That scarcity, coupled with political repression, has forced up to a third of the population to flee the country.—
Cite this Entry
“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share