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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Recent Examples of shortage
At a moment when residents are struggling more than ever, facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, limited access to Medicaid, and the relentless rise in grocery prices, lawmakers in Tallahassee have chosen instead to advance HB 31 and SB 1106.
—
Adam Abutaa, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
PAs came on to the scene in the 1960s in response to the beginning of a doctor shortage, which is ongoing.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has issued a water shortage warning for multiple counties across South Florida, including Miami-Dade.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Staff shortages, power outages and computer problems are some reasons things might go sideways.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Adam Abutaa, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
PAs came on to the scene in the 1960s in response to the beginning of a doctor shortage, which is ongoing.
—Betsy McCaughey, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has issued a water shortage warning for multiple counties across South Florida, including Miami-Dade.
—Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Staff shortages, power outages and computer problems are some reasons things might go sideways.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortage
Noun
-
There should be empathy for his injury, but no sympathy for his lack of production.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Other experts said the subject’s movement could illustrate a lack of urgency.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
No vitamin D deficiency around here.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
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High-impact sports can also destroy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia, while some athletes might also lose blood through their gastrointestinal tract, Hew-Butler says.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While nonlinear optical frequency conversion is one of the most effective methods, progress has been constrained by the scarcity of suitable crystals.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
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The recent grocery store and pharmacy closures in Milwaukee largely affect lower-income neighborhoods already navigating fresh food scarcity and inaccessibility.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortage. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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