Shortage
/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/
Definitions
A state or situation in which there is not enough of something.
/ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/
A lack or deficiency of something
There is a shortage of qualified teachers in many rural areas.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking cookies, but you don't have enough chocolate chips! That's a shortage – not enough of something you need.
👶 For kids: When you don't have enough of something you need, like when you run out of your favorite candy!
More Examples
The sudden spike in demand led to a gasoline shortage.
The food bank is helping families deal with the food shortage.
How It's Used
"A shortage of skilled workers can hinder economic growth."
"The city faced a water shortage during the drought."
"The company is experiencing a raw material shortage."
Idioms & expressions
in short supply
Not easily available; rare.
"Due to the recent earthquake, medical supplies are in short supply."
From Middle English *shortage*, from *short* + *-age*. The use of 'short' to mean 'lacking' dates back to the 14th century.
The term 'shortage' has been used since the early 16th century, initially relating to a lack or deficiency in goods or resources.
Memory tip
Think of a SHORT amount of something that is NOT enough, leading to a shortage.
Word Origin
"lack, deficiency"