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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shortage
According to Gupta, because of the industry shortages, a kilogram of cacao went from $7 to $16, and cocoa butter went from $9 to $41.
—
Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
While mortgage rates could go down in 2026, the ongoing housing shortage means average home prices won’t show any signs of decreasing.
—Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 30 July 2025
According to new polling, the vast majority of Americans believe Gaza now faces a severe food shortage — a view echoed by President Donald Trump, other world leaders and aid groups.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
Israel has had to raise taxes to finance the war, and constant fighting has created labor shortages as well as an uncertain environment for investors.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Beck Andrew Salgado, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
While mortgage rates could go down in 2026, the ongoing housing shortage means average home prices won’t show any signs of decreasing.
—Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 30 July 2025
According to new polling, the vast majority of Americans believe Gaza now faces a severe food shortage — a view echoed by President Donald Trump, other world leaders and aid groups.
—Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
Israel has had to raise taxes to finance the war, and constant fighting has created labor shortages as well as an uncertain environment for investors.
—Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage
Noun
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And that finding offers strong evidence that diet — not a lack of physical activity — is the major driver of weight gain and obesity in our modern world.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
24 July 2025
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Whether due to inadequate service, lack of knowledge and experience, or scheduling conflicts, transitioning to a planner who aligns better with your needs can provide the personalized and sophisticated support necessary for achieving your financial goals.—
Cicely Jones,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Symptoms of severe protein deficiency can show up in the skin as well.—
Victoria Moorhouse,
Allure,
30 July 2025
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For me, my deficiencies showed up in my body as fatigue.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
26 July 2025
Noun
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There will be three companies that will either stand on their own or be bought by private equity, although the scarcity in aerospace company coupled with a pro-merger Federal Trade Commission will probably make that company a takeover target almost immediately.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
27 July 2025
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Consumed as a necessity in times of scarcity, it’s now traditionally eaten at the midwinter festival in February.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
24 July 2025
Noun
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Johnson, who campaigned against raising property taxes and instead pitched other progressive revenues, backed off of Lightfoot’s policy in his first budget, only to renege last year amid a nearly $1 billion deficit.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
23 July 2025
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Trump’s overall bill, however, has been estimated to add more than $4 trillion to the deficit over the same time period.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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