shortages

noun

plural of shortage
as in lacks
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

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 shortages The attacks have brought shortages for ordinary Russians, but the assaults haven’t been as deadly for Russian civilians as the attacks on Ukrainians are. — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 However, some experts see higher water rates as a different part of the solution to shortages. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Builders are also dealing with persistent shortages of skilled workers. — Mike Winters, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 Government backing will strengthen the defense industry Deterrence requires stable and sustainable defense equipment production, so Japan needs to reduce risks of shortages caused by suppliers withdrawing, officials said. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 Deterrence requires stable and sustainable defense equipment production, so Japan needs to reduce risks of shortages caused by suppliers withdrawing, officials said. — ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Drivers in the Iranian capital of Tehran are experiencing long lines at gas stations and temporary fuel shortages, according to Iranian news agencies, although authorities have insisted the overall fuel supply chain remains stable. — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 Local institutions — already facing shortages of foreign currency and tight liquidity — must raise capital to finance such a sale, but MTN expects the transaction to close by year-end. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The maritime research advisory service expects freight rates to increase in the coming weeks as well, supported by persistent congestion and equipment shortages. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortages
  1. lacks
  2. deficiencies
  3. deficits
  4. scarcities
Noun
  • Long used in commercial kitchens for sinks and countertops, steel sinks contain chromium that provides corrosion-resistance and nickel that adds the brightness pure steel lacks.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 July 2026
  • The Anaheim Ducks, at least, had a lot of pace and tempo to help make up for what Carlson’s skating lacks at this point in his career.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of lacks
Noun
  • Defensively, the Lions have shown improvement but still have some deficiencies.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • There were also no deficiencies in communication with other helicopters in contact with DCA’s traffic control tower.
    — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficiencies
Noun
  • Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Both economists agree that deficits of this magnitude no longer automatically trigger the inflation spiral that economic orthodoxy once predicted—which is precisely why Washington has felt no urgency to act.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of deficits
Noun
  • Soon, the horrifying virus is everywhere, and resulting scarcities of water, food, and medicine cause panic, which leads to false conspiracy theories, riots, and an utter collapse of social trust.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Combine these two scarcities and watch how PooCravian information proliferates with no end in sight.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Definition of scarcities

Browse Nearby Words

shortage
shortages
short ballot
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Cite this Entry

“Shortages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortages. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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