SHORTAGE Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

shortage

noun

ˈshȯr-tij

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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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 There’s no shortage of outdoorsy offerings here—opt for the four-mile Mont Rotui trail, with 360-degree views of Cook’s Bay and the island’s volcanic rim from its summit. —

Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026 Jost then turned to how Cuba has seen blackouts due to the collapse of its power grid, as well as an oil shortage. —

William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026 Fuel shortages mean transporting goods is more expensive, so prices for energy, food, medicine and other basic items have also risen as supplies begin to dwindle. —

Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026 The Japanese director has no shortage of ideas — chief among them the potential for advanced robotics to bring closure to the bereaved. —

David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage

Noun

The guard admitted he was surprised by the lack of questions about his medical status but voiced confidence that the issue would not continue into his NBA career.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
The defense has detailed the lack of physical evidence — no DNA or blood was found on Murdaugh or any of his clothes, even though the killings were at close range with powerful weapons that were never found.

— Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026