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

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 Blaming staff shortages and an unsafe building, the Broward Sheriff's Office won't provide deputies to work at the state's Department of Justice's Juvenile Assessment Center after May 2. Subscribe to continue reading this article. —

Lisa J. Huriash, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025 Blood donations typically drop during the holiday season, leading to January shortages, but recent natural disasters, including wildfires and severe weather, have further strained local and national reserves, according to the San Diego Blood Bank. —

Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 This loophole has led several digital health companies, online pharmacies, and wellness spas to produce and sell cheaper versions of brand-name weight-loss drugs during recent shortages. —

Bruce Gil, Quartz, 28 Jan. 2025 The dangerous cold, multiple snowstorms and California’s devastating wildfires have caused an emergency shortage of platelets and some blood types at the American Red Cross. —

Karina Tsui, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shortage

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage

Noun

After an underwhelming opening, the Disney release has shown good staying power, taking advantage of January’s lack of competition.

— J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025
But he will occasionally get beat by good shooters and his lack of size has been exposed at times by pros.

— Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 25 Jan. 2025