shortage

noun

short·​age ˈshȯr-tij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
Synonyms of shortagenext
: lack, deficit

Synonyms of shortage

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Examples of shortage in a Sentence

there was a troubling shortage of supplies for the troops overseas this year
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In April, for example, the head of the International Energy Agency predicted that flights may soon need to be grounded in Europe due to jet fuel shortages. — Katie Silver, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 Analysts point out that the ongoing shortage of AI memory chips remains a key tailwind supporting earnings for Samsung and other memory chipmakers. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The shortage has been worsened by the US seizing oil shipments from Cuba’s long-standing ally Venezuela. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026 Those statistics are compelling, and so are signs that the current doctor shortage is a nationwide crisis. — Marj Halperin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shortage

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortage was in 1868

Phrases Containing shortage

Rhymes for shortage

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Browse Nearby Words

short account
shortage
short and
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Cite this Entry

“Shortage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortage. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shortage

noun
short·​age ˈshȯrt-ij How to pronounce shortage (audio)
: a lack in the amount needed : deficit
a shortage of cash
a gasoline shortage
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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